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TalkBulls Forums _ Bulls Talk _ The Official 2008 NBA Draft Thread

Posted by: soxfan3530 Apr 21 2008, 11:13 AM

I figured there would be a decent number of topics about this year's draft so this is the thread to discuss all things draft (mostly about the bulls.
Here is the info:



NBA Draft Lottery: May 20




NBA DRAFT: June 26 in New York City

Posted by: eddog2 Apr 21 2008, 10:00 PM

As long as it's not one of the Lopez boys I'll be happy with almost anyone the Bulls take. If we don't have a top 2 I'd be happy with Bayless, Mayo, Gordon, Love, Westbrook or Randolph.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise Apr 22 2008, 08:08 PM

I just wish there was some way we could make sure we got atleast Rose via a trade to move into the number 2 spot or w/e.. We need him more than anything!

Posted by: SoxFan1 Apr 23 2008, 01:16 AM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ Apr 22 2008, 08:17 PM) *
I just wish there was some way we could make sure we got atleast Rose via a trade to move into the number 2 spot or w/e.. We need him more than anything!

Tyrus Thomas + our pick for whoever has the #1 or #2 pick so we can get Rose....bam. Do it.

Posted by: eddog2 May 2 2008, 06:14 PM

17.5 days and counting till our fate is determined. I'm nervously awaiting May 20th.

Posted by: steve9347 May 5 2008, 09:55 AM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Apr 23 2008, 02:25 AM) *
Tyrus Thomas + our pick for whoever has the #1 or #2 pick so we can get Rose....bam. Do it.

Hahaha. Tyrus, the great equalizer.

Whomever has 1 or 2 would send someone to Chicago specifically to kick Pax in the nuts if he offered that.

Posted by: DutheDoduhon21 May 5 2008, 03:20 PM

why are you guys so quick to push tyrus out the door? we knew coming in he was extremely raw and i think he has improved alot since his rookie year, even since the beginning of the year. i say give him another year, you cant just get energy like that from any player.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 6 2008, 11:15 AM

QUOTE (DutheDoduhon21 @ May 5 2008, 04:29 PM) *
why are you guys so quick to push tyrus out the door? we knew coming in he was extremely raw and i think he has improved alot since his rookie year, even since the beginning of the year. i say give him another year, you cant just get energy like that from any player.


Probably because Tyrus still has no offensive game, isn't exactly a game-breaker on defense in spite of his athleticism at the moment, and doesn't appear close to being an impact player while Beasley and Rose have franchise player written all over them.

I do think that deal is a stretch, but you never know with some of the GM's that are at the top of the draft. I wouldn't GIVE Tyrus away because you never know if the light bulb will go on, but I wouldn't hesitate to deal him for an impact player.

Posted by: steve9347 May 6 2008, 11:22 AM

QUOTE (DutheDoduhon21 @ May 5 2008, 04:29 PM) *
why are you guys so quick to push tyrus out the door? we knew coming in he was extremely raw and i think he has improved alot since his rookie year, even since the beginning of the year. i say give him another year, you cant just get energy like that from any player.

Probably because if Tyrus did anything last year, he regressed. He's bad.

Posted by: Chisoxfn May 7 2008, 11:43 AM

I would absolutely love to get lucky and get one of the top 2 picks. If we don't get one of those picks, I'm a real big fan of Brandon Rush, but the only way that pickup would make sense is if the Bulls moved a couple of there wings/guards during the off-season.

I think Rush is going to be similar to Brandon Roy (not as good) but in the sense that he was never quite the dominant college player, but he has stuck around college and is a good all around athlete with a very well rounded game who will make an immediate impact within the NBA (he played with so many great players at Kansas that throughout the season while Rush would shine for a couple games, he would also be more quiet because on any given night there was at least one guy on KU that could dominate a game).

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 7 2008, 02:24 PM

I really hope we could get DJ Augustin if we can't get Rose. Augustin is fast enough, with good penetration and great quickness. If we did hire D'Antoni, he'd be a much better option running the run-and-gun offense than Hinrich would.

Posted by: eddog2 May 7 2008, 08:32 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 7 2008, 03:33 PM) *
I really hope we could get DJ Augustin if we can't get Rose. Augustin is fast enough, with good penetration and great quickness. If we did hire D'Antoni, he'd be a much better option running the run-and-gun offense than Hinrich would.


I like him too but he's so small. He'd likely be injury prone. But in terms of running around and creating havoc I think he'd do a good job of that. He also had a good shot. Either way, it would be nice to have him as a backup if Duhon leaves.

Posted by: eddog2 May 7 2008, 08:45 PM

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ May 7 2008, 12:52 PM) *
I would absolutely love to get lucky and get one of the top 2 picks. If we don't get one of those picks, I'm a real big fan of Brandon Rush, but the only way that pickup would make sense is if the Bulls moved a couple of there wings/guards during the off-season.

I think Rush is going to be similar to Brandon Roy (not as good) but in the sense that he was never quite the dominant college player, but he has stuck around college and is a good all around athlete with a very well rounded game who will make an immediate impact within the NBA (he played with so many great players at Kansas that throughout the season while Rush would shine for a couple games, he would also be more quiet because on any given night there was at least one guy on KU that could dominate a game).


I really want Rush as well. But I see him more of an unselfish Michael Redd type but without the quick release and with better size and D. He's a very good shooter. He's very unselfish and maybe he can outgrow that a little bit in the NBA. But he has good size. I'm not so sure he has top notch quickness but you don't need that when you can shoot. He's been well over 40% each of his 3 years from the arc. I saw a draft profile that compared him to Reggie Lewis but I just don't see that. He could become as good a slasher as Reggie but Reggie never had the outside shot that Rush has. That's going to be huge. If he can continue to work on his defense he can use his 6'10" wingspan to become a lock down defender at the guard spot. That with a good outside shot usually guarantees significant playing time.

I've been talking about him for a couple of years now and I can only hope that he ends up on the Bulls. At the beginning of the year many mock draft sites had him going in the 2nd round and I thought they were crazy. He has since moved up.

NBA Draft.net has him falling to 27 to the Hornets and I've seen him as high as 22 to the Magic. I'll say this. If the Hornets get him that's their replacement for Peja when he retires. I could see the Hornets seriously trying to move up in the draft if they have to to get him. They already are poised to win a title or a handful with the young nucleaus they have but if they add Rush I think they'll have the nucleaus to win even after Peja retires or his game declines. If he truly does go at 27 he has to be one of the most underated players in the draft.

Posted by: eddog2 May 7 2008, 08:57 PM

I've seen a few draft boards saying that we might take Bill Walker with our second round pick. I'd love that pick. He's so athletic and if he stays healthy and develops his game he could be a very good pro.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 7 2008, 10:28 PM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 7 2008, 09:54 PM) *
I really want Rush as well. But I see him more of an unselfish Michael Redd type but without the quick release and with better size and D. He's a very good shooter. He's very unselfish and maybe he can outgrow that a little bit in the NBA. But he has good size. I'm not so sure he has top notch quickness but you don't need that when you can shoot. He's been well over 40% each of his 3 years from the arc. I saw a draft profile that compared him to Reggie Lewis but I just don't see that. He could become as good a slasher as Reggie but Reggie never had the outside shot that Rush has. That's going to be huge. If he can continue to work on his defense he can use his 6'10" wingspan to become a lock down defender at the guard spot. That with a good outside shot usually guarantees significant playing time.

I've been talking about him for a couple of years now and I can only hope that he ends up on the Bulls. At the beginning of the year many mock draft sites had him going in the 2nd round and I thought they were crazy. He has since moved up.

NBA Draft.net has him falling to 27 to the Hornets and I've seen him as high as 22 to the Magic. I'll say this. If the Hornets get him that's their replacement for Peja when he retires. I could see the Hornets seriously trying to move up in the draft if they have to to get him. They already are poised to win a title or a handful with the young nucleaus they have but if they add Rush I think they'll have the nucleaus to win even after Peja retires or his game declines. If he truly does go at 27 he has to be one of the most underated players in the draft.

Peja is 30 years old. I don't think they'd wait until he retires for Rush. laugh.gif

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 8 2008, 02:40 AM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 7 2008, 09:41 PM) *
I like him too but he's so small. He'd likely be injury prone. But in terms of running around and creating havoc I think he'd do a good job of that. He also had a good shot. Either way, it would be nice to have him as a backup if Duhon leaves.

QUOTE
With D'Antoni, Love's lack of athleticism could pose problems. Although D'Antoni would love his basketball IQ, passing and ability to stretch the defense, Love struggles to play the up-and-down game. A pure point guard such as Texas' D.J. Augustin, who has modeled his game on Nash's, might be a better pick.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=Bulls-080506

Paxson would have a lot of options. In FA, you've got guys like Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus, Jose Calderon, Jarvis Hayes, Josh Smith, Josh Childress, J.R. Smith, Kelenna Azuibuke, Andre Igoudala, and Monta Ellis who could flourish in D'Antoni's offense.

Posted by: eddog2 May 10 2008, 12:38 PM

If we get the 9th or 10th pick and we can't trade up what should we do? Should we take the best player available or the position that we need? I've seen some draft boards have us taking Kevin Love, some Randolph, and some Danilo Gallinari.

If we do get the pick who do we take. I've watched Danilo Gallinari on several NBATV specials and he looks pretty good. But he's probably not a PF. He's more of a SF with great range on his jump shot. I'm a huge Deng fan but if we take him we have to trade either Nocioni or Deng. That is of course if Deng doesn't move to SG (which I don't think he'll ever do). Gallinari's coach has already said that he thinks Gallinari will be better than either of the 2 italian's taken in the past 2 years (Bargnani & Marco Bellineli who was taken 18th last year).

If we do indeed get D'Antoni and we do get the 9th or 10th pick I'd say that it's safe to assume we are going to take either Gallinari, Randolph, or possibily DJ Augustin. Gallinari b/c of his ability to create matchup problems with his 6-9 (6'10) frame, his ballhandling abilities, and his great outside shot, Randolph for his rediculous length and athleticism, or Augustin for his ability to run a high paced offense.

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 10 2008, 02:46 PM

If it was possible to move Deng or Gordon, I'd love to try to package one of them with the 9th pick. Problem is, because of their contract status, it's impossible to trade them pre-draft since they're not under anything other than a qualifying offer. So if we're trying to trade up, we're trying to do so without Deng or Gordon. Which makes it a hell of a lot more difficult.

Posted by: eddog2 May 11 2008, 12:33 PM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 10 2008, 01:47 PM) *
If we get the 9th or 10th pick and we can't trade up what should we do? Should we take the best player available or the position that we need? I've seen some draft boards have us taking Kevin Love, some Randolph, and some Danilo Gallinari.

If we do get the pick who do we take. I've watched Danilo Gallinari on several NBATV specials and he looks pretty good. But he's probably not a PF. He's more of a SF with great range on his jump shot. I'm a huge Deng fan but if we take him we have to trade either Nocioni or Deng. That is of course if Deng doesn't move to SG (which I don't think he'll ever do). Gallinari's coach has already said that he thinks Gallinari will be better than either of the 2 italian's taken in the past 2 years (Bargnani & Marco Bellineli who was taken 18th last year).

If we do indeed get D'Antoni and we do get the 9th or 10th pick I'd say that it's safe to assume we are going to take either Gallinari, Randolph, or possibily DJ Augustin. Gallinari b/c of his ability to create matchup problems with his 6-9 (6'10) frame, his ballhandling abilities, and his great outside shot, Randolph for his rediculous length and athleticism, or Augustin for his ability to run a high paced offense.


I guess this no longer applies.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 13 2008, 11:48 PM

Just want to say, I have no faith in Paxson to make a good pick, no matter the slot. Watch us get #2, someone takes Rose first, and we pass on Beasley for DeAndre Jordan or Jerryd Bayless. Or, we'll pick Beasley and trade him to the Grizzlies for Randolph and Aaron McKie or something.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 13 2008, 11:53 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 14 2008, 12:57 AM) *
Just want to say, I have no faith in Paxson to make a good pick, no matter the slot. Watch us get #2, someone takes Rose first, and we pass on Beasley for DeAndre Jordan or Jerryd Bayless. Or, we'll pick Beasley and trade him to the Grizzlies for Randolph and Aaron McKie or something.


He's not THAT stupid, the only time he's actually taken a risk was the Tyrus pick, and while I liked Aldridge he wasn't exactly on the same tier as Beasley as a prospect. I do think that they'll probably screw it up in the high likelyhood that they don't end up with #1 or #2 though.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 14 2008, 07:51 PM

I'd spiff a brick if we got anywhere below number 7. We may have a shot at OJ Mayo though, with his recent news about the money issue.. I don't know though.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 14 2008, 09:10 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 14 2008, 09:00 PM) *
I'd spiff a brick if we got anywhere below number 7. We may have a shot at OJ Mayo though, with his recent news about the money issue.. I don't know though.


It doesn't sound like the NBA people really care about that at all, I'd be pretty surprised if he fell out of the top-5. In fact, he's starting to look like the consensus #3. I could really see a Durant-like rookie year from him anyways: very good point totals but not a whole lot else while playing for a bad team. Obviously the hope is that he'll improve his decision making both in shot selection and passing, but who knows what to expect there.

Posted by: ChWRoCk2 May 14 2008, 09:33 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 14 2008, 12:57 AM) *
Just want to say, I have no faith in Paxson to make a good pick, no matter the slot. Watch us get #2, someone takes Rose first, and we pass on Beasley for DeAndre Jordan or Jerryd Bayless. Or, we'll pick Beasley and trade him to the Grizzlies for Randolph and Aaron McKie or something.

I for one would have no problem with DeAndre Jordan, he has a lot of potential, however on the offense side of the ball he is basically a clone of Ben Wallace. We could use some serious size down low, I still love the move to get Gooden because we badly needed the good post player but I miss that defensive force in the post.

Hopefully Paxson does his homework for this draft there are some nice upside players projected to go in the second round, one guy being Lester Hudson. If we don't take a guard in rd 1 I think you take him or Courtney Lee in rd 2.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 14 2008, 09:39 PM

QUOTE (ChWRoCk2 @ May 14 2008, 10:42 PM) *
I for one would have no problem with DeAndre Jordan, he has a lot of potential, however on the offense side of the ball he is basically a clone of Ben Wallace. We could use some serious size down low, I still love the move to get Gooden because we badly needed the good post player but I miss that defensive force in the post.

Hopefully Paxson does his homework for this draft there are some nice upside players projected to go in the second round, one guy being Lester Hudson. If we don't take a guard in rd 1 I think you take him or Courtney Lee in rd 2.


Your not talking about at number 3 right? Maybe 9 or 10 but this guy didn't impress me at all when I watched him a few times in college. He is slow on defense, doesn't rotate well, he will get in bigger foul trouble than Tyrus Thomas next year which is scary, and he doesn't have a single reliable post move to go to and thats sad when your 7'0 or whatever he is; but.. The silver lining to him is that he's extremely young and has a big body to put on more muscle. He looks like Dwight Howard when he's out on the court but plays nothing like him. So if we were to take him, I'd be skeptical but I could live with it only if there wasn't any good guards out there.

Posted by: ChWRoCk2 May 14 2008, 10:15 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 14 2008, 10:48 PM) *
Your not talking about at number 3 right? Maybe 9 or 10 but this guy didn't impress me at all when I watched him a few times in college. He is slow on defense, doesn't rotate well, he will get in bigger foul trouble than Tyrus Thomas next year which is scary, and he doesn't have a single reliable post move to go to and thats sad when your 7'0 or whatever he is; but.. The silver lining to him is that he's extremely young and has a big body to put on more muscle. He looks like Dwight Howard when he's out on the court but plays nothing like him. So if we were to take him, I'd be skeptical but I could live with it only if there wasn't any good guards out there.

No, definitely wouldn't take Jordan at number 3.

To me he just makes the most sense since we are missing a big man down low. Teams beat us up pretty good in the post after Wallace left.

We have too many guards so I don't see us taking a guard, if one of BG or Hughes or someone leaves then I have no problem with a guard but I'd rather fill what appears to be our biggest need which is a center/pf.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 14 2008, 10:16 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 14 2008, 09:00 PM) *
I'd spiff a brick if we got anywhere below number 7. We may have a shot at OJ Mayo though, with his recent news about the money issue.. I don't know though.

As far as I know, the Bulls can only be 1, 2, 3, or 9 in the draft lottery.

QUOTE (ChWRoCk2 @ May 14 2008, 10:42 PM) *
I for one would have no problem with DeAndre Jordan, he has a lot of potential, however on the offense side of the ball he is basically a clone of Ben Wallace. We could use some serious size down low, I still love the move to get Gooden because we badly needed the good post player but I miss that defensive force in the post.

Hopefully Paxson does his homework for this draft there are some nice upside players projected to go in the second round, one guy being Lester Hudson. If we don't take a guard in rd 1 I think you take him or Courtney Lee in rd 2.

The only man in this draft who could possibly be more hated by me than Tyrus (and actually suck worse than Tyrus) is DeAndre Jordan. He averaged 7.9 points in college. He blows. In his last 5 games of the season:

DNP
5 minutes, 0 points
4 minutes, 1 point
5 minutes, 0 points
15 minutes, 6 points

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 14 2008, 10:24 PM

I don't think I could deal with a Noah-Tyrus-Jordan frontcourt for the next 5-10 years. So many guys with so little offensive ability...

Seriously, the guy averaged like 8 points and 6 boards at Texas A&M and didn't even start most of the year. He's a massive project. Tyrus Thomas was considerably better than him in college, that's a scary thought. MAYBE you end up with Andrew Bynum, but it'll be at least 2 years before you find out, and more likely 3.

Posted by: eddog2 May 15 2008, 06:34 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ May 14 2008, 11:33 PM) *
I don't think I could deal with a Noah-Tyrus-Jordan frontcourt for the next 5-10 years. So many guys with so little offensive ability...

Seriously, the guy averaged like 8 points and 6 boards at Texas A&M and didn't even start most of the year. He's a massive project. Tyrus Thomas was considerably better than him in college, that's a scary thought. MAYBE you end up with Andrew Bynum, but it'll be at least 2 years before you find out, and more likely 3.


If we take Jordan I'm done with Paxson. While we may have too many guards and SF's I don't care if we take another one. We need to take a player with star potential. If we get the 3rd pick I think we have to seriously consider drafting Bayless and trading Gordon. If we get 9 it's hard. If Randolph is there we have to take a chance on him. If Gordon is there we need to consider it but only if we can deal the other Gordon. But if Mayo, Bayless, Gordon, & Randolph are off the board I think we have to go with Love if he's still there. He's not likely to be a star but he's pretty good offensively and he's a great passer. Just having his passing ability out of the post should help. He's not fast or athletic but he did post some pretty good numbers as a freshman.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 16 2008, 12:13 AM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 15 2008, 07:43 PM) *
If we take Jordan I'm done with Paxson. While we may have too many guards and SF's I don't care if we take another one. We need to take a player with star potential. If we get the 3rd pick I think we have to seriously consider drafting Bayless and trading Gordon. If we get 9 it's hard. If Randolph is there we have to take a chance on him. If Gordon is there we need to consider it but only if we can deal the other Gordon. But if Mayo, Bayless, Gordon, & Randolph are off the board I think we have to go with Love if he's still there. He's not likely to be a star but he's pretty good offensively and he's a great passer. Just having his passing ability out of the post should help. He's not fast or athletic but he did post some pretty good numbers as a freshman.

Jordan isn't really even worthy of a 1st round pick. I'd be utterly disappointed if we took him with the 9th pick. It would probably be the only pick worse than Tyrus Thomas. He sat on the bench in college so he's a lottery pick in the NBA? My god. If we get #9, Augustin or Love is who I want. If we get 1-2, it's obviously either Rose or Beasley, whichever is there. If we get #3, I want Lopez or Mayo.

Posted by: Wanne May 16 2008, 03:05 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 16 2008, 01:22 AM) *
Jordan isn't really even worthy of a 1st round pick. I'd be utterly disappointed if we took him with the 9th pick. It would probably be the only pick worse than Tyrus Thomas. He sat on the bench in college so he's a lottery pick in the NBA? My god. If we get #9, Augustin or Love is who I want. If we get 1-2, it's obviously either Rose or Beasley, whichever is there. If we get #3, I want Lopez or Mayo.



I'd like to see the Bulls get Love too...I know some aren't really that fond of him...but I think he'll be a pretty good 4 in this league.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 16 2008, 06:44 PM

QUOTE (Wanne @ May 16 2008, 04:14 PM) *
I'd like to see the Bulls get Love too...I know some aren't really that fond of him...but I think he'll be a pretty good 4 in this league.

I'm not really sure how to read him on his strength attributes. He looks like he's still got some of that baby fat that he can shed off but then again, he's one of the few people I've seen that can launch a full court chest-pass into the basket..

Posted by: Wanne May 16 2008, 07:36 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 16 2008, 07:53 PM) *
I'm not really sure how to read him on his strength attributes. He looks like he's still got some of that baby fat that he can shed off but then again, he's one of the few people I've seen that can launch a full court chest-pass into the basket..



From Chad Ford who's traveling around visiting prospects workouts. I'm actually pretty intrigued with getting this guy.

QUOTE
Here's my report from Day 1.

Kevin Love, PF, UCLA


Love was the first player I wanted to see in this environment. We already know that he's one of the most skilled big men to ever enter the draft. His basketball skills, both in the paint and out on the perimeter, resemble those of an NBA veteran.

His basketball IQ is off the charts, his footwork is strong, his jump shot has range out to the NBA 3-point line, his outlet passes are legendary and he has a series of step-backs, up-and-unders and spins that made him one of the top 5 players in college basketball this season.

However, what Love has lacked is explosive athleticism and a chiseled, athletic body. As a freshman at UCLA, he often carried a spare tire around his waist. He seemed to run out of steam in up-tempo games and, at times, looked like he lacked the athleticism to excel in the pros.

Love's strengths and weaknesses have generated a huge debate among NBA scouts and executives about his NBA prospects. Sure, he knows how to play the game. But would that be enough in the up-and-down, breakneck pace of the NBA?

Abunassar has spent the past three weeks with Love and the results are really impressive. Love has lost 13 pounds since UCLA was bounced from the Final Four and he's starting to show muscle definition. He really is getting up and down the floor -- he went through a one-hour, fast-paced workout and finished with plenty of gas left in the tank.

Ford's NBA Dish
Chad Ford chats with Kevin Love about his training regimen, and more. Listen

Love is clearly in much better shape than he was at UCLA and it dramatically improves his game. He's more explosive getting off the floor. He moves better laterally. And he isn't sacrificing the trademark strength that made him one of the toughest big men in college basketball.

Abunassar said a mixture of conditioning and dietary changes have led to Love's improvements. He now eats structured meals several times a day and is working out roughly five to six hours a day. In addition, Abunassar is working on improving Love's flexibility and agility -- which has really helped with his quickness on both ends of the floor.

"Kevin has been working hard," Abunassar said. "And I still feel like we're scratching the surface. He's probably going to lose about five more pounds before Orlando [the NBA pre-draft combines that begin May 27] and we're still working on his explosiveness and flexibility. Every week he's looking better and better."

Love's confidence shines through on the floor. He's taking the lead in drills, encouraging everyone in the gym and going all-out on every drill.

After the workout, he said he's treating basketball like a job. "I want to come in to work every day and put in 100 percent. I know NBA teams expect a lot and I don't want to disappoint them. I love the game and I want to be the best player I can be."

Love admits that he struggled to stay in great shape at UCLA and said he felt that his eating habits were the primary problem. Love said he didn't eat a lot of junk food (thought he mentioned a fondness for chocolate milk) but that he ate large quantities at bad times. Now he's spreading out his meals and it makes a difference.

On Thursday, at least, Love didn't look like the slow, unathletic big man that many NBA scouts had pegged him. He was pretty nimble on his feet.

"I'm telling you right now, I'm going to shock a lot of people coming to the combines," Love said. "Whether it's jumping off the floor or the agility drill or the three-quarter court sprint."

Watching Love work out and seeing his confidence has pushed me to rethink his draft stock. If he goes into pre-draft combines in great shape and shows he has the requisite athleticism and quickness to be a full-time NBA power forward, Love could really move up the board -- possibly in the 5-to-10 range in the draft.

We've already identified the Bobcats, Bulls and Pacers as possibilities. A few other teams higher up in the draft like the Grizzlies and Sonics might also have to give him serious consideration.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 16 2008, 08:37 PM

If he really comes out in much better shape and tests in the middle of the pack or higher Love is a much better prospect than the current prevailing opinion. His skill level is well above everyone except Beasley so if he's even average athletically he probably moves up to at least #6, maybe even ahead of Lopez if he does well. If he does that, I don't see any way he's there at our pick.

Posted by: TeaLeafReaderII May 17 2008, 08:52 PM

espn draft machine has the bulls taking a 7footer out of ohio state.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 18 2008, 02:03 AM

QUOTE (TeaLeafReaderII @ May 17 2008, 10:01 PM) *
espn draft machine has the bulls taking a 7footer out of ohio state.

I haven't seen Koufos that high in any mock drafts, pretty interesting. After about 10 tries, I got the Bulls with the 3rd pick and it has them taking Brook Lopez. One attempt later, it has us 2nd behind Seattle with the Bulls picking Beasley. Then a bit later, it has us at 9 picking Kevin Love.

Posted by: eddog2 May 18 2008, 09:01 AM

If we get the 9 and can't trade up then I'd have no problem taking Love. He posted great #'s a freshman and he'll only get better. If he is serious about getting in shape he could become a very good pro.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 18 2008, 10:56 AM

QUOTE (TeaLeafReaderII @ May 17 2008, 10:01 PM) *
espn draft machine has the bulls taking a 7footer out of ohio state.


I would put a bounty on JP's head if that ever happened..

Posted by: eddog2 May 18 2008, 10:08 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 18 2008, 12:05 PM) *
I would put a bounty on JP's head if that ever happened..


If Love and Randolph are off the board I could see Paxson going with Koufas but I hope it doesn't happen. He's a young big with really good size and a decent shot but he has a lot of weaknesses. He needs to get a lot stronger to become a good center at the NBA level (He'll likely never be a superstar but good be a good starting center). The draft express profile below does a good job describing his weaknesses. The fact that he ranks 6 from last in FT attempts per game of the 2008 and 2009 Mock Draft players and 12 from last in true FG% (even though he's a center) shows that he needs to gain toughness and also improve his post moves and include a few left hand moves in his arsenal.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kosta-Koufos-1070/

Posted by: eddog2 May 18 2008, 10:49 PM

Does anyone have an opinion on Jason Thompson out of Rider? He looks like has very good size and skill for the PF/C position at the next level. From watching a video he even looks athletic enough to play SF. I think he'll probably have to add some weight be be a true beast down low but he did average over 20 ppg and 10+ rpg his last 2 seasons against weaker opposition. He appears to be a late bloomer and with his athleticism he still has room to develop more at the next level. I've seen a few mock draft boards that have him going 22nd to Orlando and I saw one where he went to the Bucks at 7 which was a shock. He's one of those guys whose stock could go through the roof with pre-draft workouts.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 19 2008, 02:41 PM

The Daily Herald outlines some big man prospects that the Bulls might be looking at with pick...

QUOTE
The Bulls will have 1.7 percent of the ping-pong ball combinations. So while it's OK to dream, prepare for the reality of the No. 9 pick.

Two obvious needs for the Bulls are point guard and a big man. The only point guard who figures to be a candidate at No. 9 is Texas' 5-foot-11 D.J. Augustin.

But there are a boatload of big men with low-lottery potential. Most are college freshmen who kept a low profile last season. So here's a rundown of some possibilities for the Bulls:

Kevin Love, 6-9, UCLA:ŒOut of this group, Love is the one guy who seems to be polished and also a proven winner, having helped lead the Bruins to the Final Four. He also could go higher than No. 9.

Love is a strong rebounder (10.6 per game) and may be the best outlet passer the game has ever seen. But at 6-9, will he score in the spot or be much of a defender in the NBA?

Anthony Randolph, 6-11, LSU: He's supposed to be more of a multi-skilled big man in the vein of Lamar Odom than another Tyrus Thomas. Randolph is very thin, listed at 220 pounds, but flashed plenty of potential (15.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg) on a poor LSU team.

DeAndre Jordan, 7-0, Texas A&M:ŒThis guy looks good in theory but has to be considered a major project. He averaged 7.9 points in just 20 minutes per game during his freshman season.

JaVale McGee, 7-0, Nevada: A Chicago native who attended Hales Franciscan, McGee has tantalizing athletic skills and was reasonably productive as a sophomore (14.1 ppg). He's also very inconsistent and another high-risk, high-reward pick. His parents are former Illinois power forward George Montgomery and former USC star Pam McGee.

Robin Lopez, 7-0, Stanford: Projected to be a strong defender, but not as gifted offensively as twin brother Brook, who is expected to be one of the top five picks.

Kosta Koufos, 7-1, Ohio State:ΠHe showed some post scoring skills during his lone season with the Buckeyes, though some would argue he lacked toughness (6.7 rpg).

Donte Green, 6-10, Syracuse: Baltimore native has a nice-looking jumper but probably shot way too many 3-pointers for someone his size.

Alexis Ajinca, 7-1, France:ΠHe's shown the potential to be a shot blocker but is very thin and didn't play much on his French team last season.

Roy Hibbert, 7-2, Georgetown: Thought to be a possible top-10 pick if he came out last year, Hibbert's stock has apparently dropped following his senior season (13.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg). He did shoot 60 percent from the field, though.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 19 2008, 02:48 PM

Donte Green is not a big man by any stretch of the imagination, he's more of a Marvin Williams type SF at this point.

Add me to the list of guys who doesn't like Koufos as well, he's more of an over-sized SF than a real post player, kind of like a less athletic Andrea Bargnani.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 19 2008, 03:15 PM

Augustin, Love, Westbrook, and Batum are my wish-list if we get the #9 pick.

Posted by: Wanne May 19 2008, 03:33 PM

QUOTE (TeaLeafReaderII @ May 17 2008, 10:01 PM) *
espn draft machine has the bulls taking a 7footer out of ohio state.


If Pax takes Koufos...I will officially burn all my Bulls garb!

Posted by: dasox24 May 19 2008, 04:07 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 19 2008, 03:24 PM) *
Augustin, Love, Westbrook, and Batum are my wish-list if we get the #9 pick.

Sounds about right to me. Besides Love, none of those big men expected to be there at #9 intrigue me at all.


Also, just wanted to point out something for the sake of arguement:

I think a lot of people around here believe the Bulls need more of a true PG than Hinrich is. So, let me pose this question to you. Would you trade Tyrus and Ben Gordon to the Grizzlies for Mike Conley to get us that PG? This, of course, is pending the Grizz get the #1 or 2 pick to select Derrick Rose in the draft.

The Grizzlies have a plethora of PGs and are in big need of a low-post defender and a scorer, both of which we could give them and they'd fit really well with Iavaroni's offense. This would then allow us to spin off Kirk for a talented player elsewhere. Then, with the draft pick we could take a scorer to come off the bench and fill Gordon's roll as a scorer off the bench. Now, obviously, a rookie won't score like Gordon has for us, but if that's all he's asked to do, then I think he could be productive.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 19 2008, 04:22 PM

QUOTE (dasox24 @ May 19 2008, 05:16 PM) *
I think a lot of people around here believe the Bulls need more of a true PG than Hinrich is. So, let me pose this question to you. Would you trade Tyrus and Ben Gordon to the Grizzlies for Mike Conley to get us that PG? This, of course, is pending the Grizz get the #1 or 2 pick to select Derrick Rose in the draft.

Absolutely not. As much as I dislike Tyrus, and as inconsistent as Gordon is, he's still our best scorer and we'd basically be giving them Tyrus as a gift. I think you overestimate Tyrus' defensive abilities. He's not a very good man to man defender, and most, if not all of his blocked shots come off of help defense or during fights for the ball down low. Gordon and Tyrus could get us a MUCH better player than Mike Conley.

For a guy who hasn't really proven anything in the league, and for that matter, only had 2 games if 10+ assists last season, he sure gets a lot of love around here. And thats in 56 games, 46 as a starter. If the deal was Tyrus for Conley, I'd do it, but I doubt Memphis would. But Tyrus AND Gordon would lead me to question Paxson's sanity.

This must be a tough one for you eddog, 3 players you absolutely love.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 19 2008, 07:14 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 19 2008, 05:31 PM) *
Absolutely not. As much as I dislike Tyrus, and as inconsistent as Gordon is, he's still our best scorer and we'd basically be giving them Tyrus as a gift. I think you overestimate Tyrus' defensive abilities. He's not a very good man to man defender, and most, if not all of his blocked shots come off of help defense or during fights for the ball down low. Gordon and Tyrus could get us a MUCH better player than Mike Conley.

For a guy who hasn't really proven anything in the league, and for that matter, only had 2 games if 10+ assists last season, he sure gets a lot of love around here. And thats in 56 games, 46 as a starter. If the deal was Tyrus for Conley, I'd do it, but I doubt Memphis would. But Tyrus AND Gordon would lead me to question Paxson's sanity.

This must be a tough one for you eddog, 3 players you absolutely love.


Funny story about Conley's dad, well actually about someone I know who competed against Conley's dad. Like 15-20 years ago or so, my cousin Tim Wyss who was basically the greatest athlete to ever come out of our area, went up against Mike Conley in the triple jump for State every year in high school and everytime Tim would get second place so his senior year he didn't even go out because he didn't feel like getting the second place trophy haha..

Posted by: eddog2 May 19 2008, 07:27 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 19 2008, 05:31 PM) *
Absolutely not. As much as I dislike Tyrus, and as inconsistent as Gordon is, he's still our best scorer and we'd basically be giving them Tyrus as a gift. I think you overestimate Tyrus' defensive abilities. He's not a very good man to man defender, and most, if not all of his blocked shots come off of help defense or during fights for the ball down low. Gordon and Tyrus could get us a MUCH better player than Mike Conley.

For a guy who hasn't really proven anything in the league, and for that matter, only had 2 games if 10+ assists last season, he sure gets a lot of love around here. And thats in 56 games, 46 as a starter. If the deal was Tyrus for Conley, I'd do it, but I doubt Memphis would. But Tyrus AND Gordon would lead me to question Paxson's sanity.

This must be a tough one for you eddog, 3 players you absolutely love.


Before I even got to the last paragraph, I knew you were going to throw my name out. To be honest this really isn't a tough one for me. It's down right stupid to trade Gordon & Tyrus for Conley. Now if it means trading those 2 and our pick for Memphis' pick and Conley then I'd have to consider it but I doubt they would. I wouldn't trade Gordon straight up for Conley b/c then who is going to score on our team. We'd go from bad offensively to horrible. Anyway, I do like Conley and with the abundance of guards they have and the possibility that they could be getting Rose, I just don't see why or how they'll have room to keep them all. I say they keep Crinttenton and trade us Conley but it shouldn't take much. Maybe Nocioni and next year's first.

You are right that he hasn't proved anythig as a pro yet. But he'll still be a good pro and I'd trade from him if he's available which I think he is/will be. It would be best to trade for him while his value is low instead of waiting until he has a good season. However, with that said, I wouldn't trade Ben Gordon for him and I'd even have trouble trading Tyrus for him straight up (although I'd probably pull the trigger) b/c I still have faith that Tyrus will develop (which I'm probably stupid for thinking).

Anyway, Conley had a respectable rookie season. 9.4 ppg & 4.2 apg in only 26.1 mpg. He actually showed good touch from the outside which I thought he would not demonstrate for a few years. He only shot 33.3% from the arc but he proved he can hit the shot and I'm sure he'll only improve that % in the future. We also have to keep in mind that he is only 20 years old vs the 23 years old that Kirk came into the league at. He shot 42.8% from the field which is better than all but 1 of Hinrich's seasons. My only hope is that if we do add Conley I think we need to start either Hughes or Thabo b/c I don't think a Conley/Gordon lineup will be able to defend anybody.

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 19 2008, 08:08 PM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 19 2008, 06:36 PM) *
Before I even got to the last paragraph, I knew you were going to throw my name out. To be honest this really isn't a tough one for me. It's down right stupid to trade Gordon & Tyrus for Conley. Now if it means trading those 2 and our pick for Memphis' pick and Conley then I'd have to consider it but I doubt they would.

The way I understand things, I believe this is impossible. Gordon and Deng aren't under contract for next season yet and are still covered by the NBA's no-trade, post deadline rules, and can not be traded for anything until the FA period begins when they can be moved in sign & trade deals, which comes after the draft.

Posted by: eddog2 May 19 2008, 08:31 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 19 2008, 09:17 PM) *
The way I understand things, I believe this is impossible. Gordon and Deng aren't under contract for next season yet and are still covered by the NBA's no-trade, post deadline rules, and can not be traded for anything until the FA period begins when they can be moved in sign & trade deals, which comes after the draft.


You are correct. I don't know what I was thinking. Well how about Mike Miller & Conley for a re-signed Kirk, Tyrus, & a future 1st. I know that Memphis has been looking to trade Miller but I'm not sure what their interest in Kirk would be.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 19 2008, 08:34 PM

What made Conley so good in college is his breathtaking speed and quickness along with his ability to get to the free throw line. In good time he will be one of the better point guards in this league. I want to make a trade for him but not for the two mentioned at first. I'd get rid of Nocioni for him along with our first round pick (if its higher).

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 19 2008, 09:37 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 19 2008, 09:43 PM) *
What made Conley so good in college is his breathtaking speed and quickness along with his ability to get to the free throw line. In good time he will be one of the better point guards in this league. I want to make a trade for him but not for the two mentioned at first. I'd get rid of Nocioni for him along with our first round pick (if its higher).

First off, I'm not sure tha Memphis would be too ecstatic to deal Conley for Nocioni. Second, salaries are way off.

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 19 2008, 09:45 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 19 2008, 08:46 PM) *
First off, I'm not sure tha Memphis would be too ecstatic to deal Conley for Nocioni. Second, salaries are way off.

No idea how it would play in to things, but it's also worth noting that the Bulls have a http://www.blogabull.com/2008/5/15/510241/the-more-you-know-the-bull coming from the Wallace/Hughes et al. Deal.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 19 2008, 10:02 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 19 2008, 10:54 PM) *
No idea how it would play in to things, but it's also worth noting that the Bulls have a http://www.blogabull.com/2008/5/15/510241/the-more-you-know-the-bull coming from the Wallace/Hughes et al. Deal.


While that can be very useful, in the deal in question it doesn't help because it allows us to bring in MORE salary. Now if we're talking about a deal for a higher salary player that's another story.

Posted by: TeaLeafReaderII May 19 2008, 10:15 PM

that exemption will come in handy if tries to do a sign and trade with Deng or Gordon

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 07:08 AM



BEGIN LOTTERY TALK

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 09:34 AM



OMG!! ^^ haha

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 20 2008, 10:05 AM

I don't want to think about how many tries it took you to get that Steve, I did like 10 and the best I got was #2. tongue.gif

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 11:47 AM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ May 20 2008, 11:14 AM) *
I don't want to think about how many tries it took you to get that Steve, I did like 10 and the best I got was #2. tongue.gif

17/1000 chance of that happening. Yay.

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 12:56 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ May 20 2008, 11:14 AM) *
I don't want to think about how many tries it took you to get that Steve, I did like 10 and the best I got was #2. tongue.gif

It really only took me 10 tries.

Posted by: soxfan3530 May 20 2008, 02:20 PM

Paxson would probably almost rather get the second pick than the first. Then whoever he picks, if the other guy turns out better he has an excuse. he may not last that long though......

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 02:46 PM

Dear God, please give us Derrick Rose

Posted by: soxfan3530 May 20 2008, 02:55 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 20 2008, 03:55 PM) *
Dear God, please give us Derrick Rose

Agreed. I would love to get Rose. (Probably b/c i covered him for a year) but he is exactly what we need IMO.

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 03:26 PM

QUOTE (soxfan3530 @ May 20 2008, 04:04 PM) *
Agreed. I would love to get Rose. (Probably b/c i covered him for a year) but he is exactly what we need IMO.

He or Beasley.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 03:56 PM

QUOTE (steve9347 @ May 20 2008, 04:35 PM) *
He or Beasley.

It's a win-win, but I'd rather have Rose on this team. Then again, drafting Beasley means Tyrus' ass is outta here. So like I said, win-win.

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 20 2008, 05:16 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=LotteryPreview-080520
Probability of Getting the No. 1 Pick
Team Probability
Event with Similar Probability
Heat 25% Dwyane Wade making 3-pointer.
Sonics 19.9% Kevin Durant making 12 straight free throws.
Wolves 13.8% Al Jefferson making three straight shots.
Grizz 13.7% Rudy Gay taking 20-plus shots in a game.
Knicks 7.6% David Lee getting 15-plus rebounds in a game.
Clippers 7.5% Elton Brand scoring over 30 points in a game.
Bucks 4.3% Michael Redd making five-plus 3s in a game.
Bobcats 2.8% Emeka Okafor six-plus blocks in a game.
Bulls 1.7% Ben Gordon making 27 straight free throws.
Nets 1.1% Vince Carter scoring over 45 points in a game.
Pacers 0.8% Jermaine O'Neal scoring 30-plus points.
Kings 0.7% Ron Artest getting eight-plus steals in a game.
Blazers 0.6% Brandon Roy making five straight 3-pointers.
Warriors 0.5% Davis making six straight shots from the field.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 05:59 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 20 2008, 06:25 PM) *
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=LotteryPreview-080520
Probability of Getting the No. 1 Pick
Team Probability
Event with Similar Probability
Heat 25% Dwyane Wade making 3-pointer.
Sonics 19.9% Kevin Durant making 12 straight free throws.
Wolves 13.8% Al Jefferson making three straight shots.
Grizz 13.7% Rudy Gay taking 20-plus shots in a game.
Knicks 7.6% David Lee getting 15-plus rebounds in a game.
Clippers 7.5% Elton Brand scoring over 30 points in a game.
Bucks 4.3% Michael Redd making five-plus 3s in a game.
Bobcats 2.8% Emeka Okafor six-plus blocks in a game.
Bulls 1.7% Ben Gordon making 27 straight free throws.
Nets 1.1% Vince Carter scoring over 45 points in a game.
Pacers 0.8% Jermaine O'Neal scoring 30-plus points.
Kings 0.7% Ron Artest getting eight-plus steals in a game.
Blazers 0.6% Brandon Roy making five straight 3-pointers.
Warriors 0.5% Davis making six straight shots from the field.

Someone check Gordon's career high for consecutive FT's....quick!

Posted by: bulls91 May 20 2008, 06:08 PM


Ben Gordon has made 33 consectutive free throws in the playoffs before

QUOTE
...scored 37 points after draining a career-high 15 FGM and passing a career-high nine assists vs. MIL (11/06) … twice named Eastern Conference Player of the Week (01/29 & 04/16) … 2007 Playoffs: Averaged a 20.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.8 apg and 39.5 mpg in 10 games … shot .415 from the field, .436 from the arc and .921 from the line … set a team playoff-record with 33 consecutive free throws made over a span of seven games (streak is still active) … set a career high with 11 assists against Miami in Game 1 (04/21).

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 20 2008, 06:14 PM

Like I said, beautiful.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 06:26 PM

OMFG OMFG!!!!!

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 06:26 PM

Holy $h!t! Bulls are in the top 3!!!!

I wet myself.

Posted by: ben jordan May 20 2008, 06:29 PM

OMG YES1!!!!!

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 20 2008, 06:29 PM

Holy Flurking Schnit!

Posted by: bulls91 May 20 2008, 06:30 PM

QUOTE (AtHomeBoy_2000 @ May 20 2008, 07:35 PM) *
Holy $h!t! Bulls are in the top 3!!!!

I wet myself.

i was jumping up and down and hit my head on my ciling. OUCH! mecry.gif

But it was well worth it bullssmilie1.jpg

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 06:30 PM

Bulls picking #1!!!!!!!!!
headbang.gif headbang.gif headbang.gif

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 06:31 PM

OMG! I am speechless. This is a GAME changer!

Posted by: bulls91 May 20 2008, 06:31 PM

holy Shiznet

Posted by: ben jordan May 20 2008, 06:31 PM

HOLY freaking spiff I JIZZED MYSELF

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 06:31 PM

Derrick Rose, Brook Lopez, Michael Beasley, or O.J. Mayo???

Posted by: bulls91 May 20 2008, 06:32 PM

QUOTE (AtHomeBoy_2000 @ May 20 2008, 07:40 PM) *
Brook Lopez, Michael Beasley, or O.J. Mayo???

Try the hometown native. Derrick Rose. notworthy.gif

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 06:32 PM

HOLY freaking spiff!!!! BEASLEY OR ROSE!!??!? WHO THE fish CARES GO BULLS!!!

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 06:33 PM

QUOTE (bulls91 @ May 20 2008, 07:41 PM) *
Try the hometown native. Derrick Rose. notworthy.gif

I added him. OOPS! Must have missed it.

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 06:34 PM

Do the Bulls need another guard, or a big center?
Trade Gordon and/or Captain Kirk if they like the guards.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 06:35 PM

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!OMFG!

Posted by: bulls91 May 20 2008, 06:36 PM

QUOTE (AtHomeBoy_2000 @ May 20 2008, 07:43 PM) *
Do the Bulls need another guard, or a big center?
Trade Gordon and/or Captain Kirk if they like the guards.

either those two or we get beasley and trade Nocioni and/or Deng.

Posted by: soxfan3530 May 20 2008, 06:38 PM

OMG! YES!!!!!!!!!! Now we can argue over what to do for a month!!!

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 06:40 PM

After such a horrible year, this just re-energized me!!

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 20 2008, 06:40 PM

QUOTE (AtHomeBoy_2000 @ May 20 2008, 05:43 PM) *
Do the Bulls need another guard, or a big center?
Trade Gordon and/or Captain Kirk if they like the guards.

I've been thinking the Bulls needed a PG upgrade for months. Ever since Hinrich imploded this year.

Just look at the roster...

Tyrus/Gooden
Noah/Gray
Deng/Noc
Hinrich
Gordon/Thabo/Hughes

The open position is obviously PG. It's the weakest in the starting lineup and its the weakest depth wise. If you trade away either Tyrus or Deng to make room for Beasley, then you need to get back a PG.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 06:40 PM

UNFUCKINGBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 20 2008, 06:43 PM

How much better did CP3 make Tyson Chandler?

Stick Noah, Deng, Tyrus alongside Rose...clear out the Guard spot a bit (Keep Thabo so that Rose doesn't have to defend bigger guards!), and suddenly every one of them looks better.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 06:43 PM

Hinrich + Thomas + Gooden for Brand + Knight

Rose - Gordon - Deng - Brand - Noah

Posted by: dasox24 May 20 2008, 06:45 PM

Wow, i'm still stunned... After all those years of completely sucking and never getting that #1 spot, this makes up for it!

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 06:47 PM

Thank God! No more Kirk! Now lets get Rose a big man to throw to down low!

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 20 2008, 06:51 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 20 2008, 05:56 PM) *
Thank God! No more Kirk! Now lets get Rose a big man to throw to down low!

Or...just sit Tyrus and Rose in a room for about 30 minutes with a replay of CP3 and Tyson alley-oops on a loop...and unlock the door whenever Tyrus realizes how much higher he can jump than Tyson.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 06:53 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 20 2008, 08:00 PM) *
Or...just sit Tyrus and Rose in a room for about 30 minutes with a replay of CP3 and Tyson alley-oops on a loop...and unlock the door whenever Tyrus realizes how much higher he can jump than Tyson.

Must you ruin such happy times with this Tyrus Thomas tomfoolery?

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 06:53 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 20 2008, 08:00 PM) *
Or...just sit Tyrus and Rose in a room for about 30 minutes with a replay of CP3 and Tyson alley-oops on a loop...and unlock the door whenever Tyrus realizes how much higher he can jump than Tyson.

laugh.gif YES!!! AGREED!!

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 06:54 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 20 2008, 07:52 PM) *
Rose - Gordon - Deng - Brand - Noah

Me likey!!!
(not so sure Gordon can co-exist with Rose. He's too much of a shooter.

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 06:54 PM

Rose WILL be the next CP3 or Deron Williams.

Beasley will be the next HMMMM I don't know. I've never seen someone with his complete package. Shoot, rebound, block, defend... there's nothing he doesn't do well.

I have a feeling the Bulls stick with Kirk and draft Beasley to play PF. Then trade something like Gordon/Tyrus for a legitimate scoring SG. At this point, with his contract, you just aren't going to get a lot for Kirk.

Which would you rather have?

Noah/Tyrus/Deng/Gordon/Rose and upgrade to the bench or future draft picks?

Noah/Beasley/Deng/good SG (perhaps even a Gilbert sign and trade?)/Kirk

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 20 2008, 06:55 PM

QUOTE (AtHomeBoy_2000 @ May 20 2008, 06:03 PM) *
Me likey!!!
(not so sure Gordon can co-exist with Rose. He's too much of a shooter.

You can't put Rose and Gordon in the same backcourt and expect to survive in the East. There's just not enough defense to go around. The reason we've survived with Gordon so far is that you could put Hinrich on guys like Wade and Kobe.

Thabo and Hughes have to be your guys next to Rose. Imagine those games against the Pistons with Rose and Gordon in your backcourt instead of Rose and Hinrich...both of them would be in foul trouble in the first 5 minutes.

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 06:55 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 20 2008, 07:52 PM) *
Hinrich + Thomas + Gooden for Brand + Knight

Rose - Gordon - Deng - Brand - Noah

Well, I like that idea too!

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 06:56 PM

QUOTE (steve9347 @ May 20 2008, 08:03 PM) *
Rose WILL be the next CP3 or Deron Williams.

Beasley will be the next HMMMM I don't know. I've never seen someone with his complete package. Shoot, rebound, block, defend... there's nothing he doesn't do well.

I have a feeling the Bulls stick with Kirk and draft Beasley to play PF. Then trade something like Gordon/Tyrus for a legitimate scoring SG. At this point, with his contract, you just aren't going to get a lot for Kirk.

Which would you rather have?

Noah/Tyrus/Deng/Gordon/Rose and upgrade to the bench or future draft picks?

Noah/Beasley/Deng/good SG (perhaps even a Gilbert sign and trade?)/Kirk

I'll take "Starting Line-ups without Tyrus Thomas", Alex.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 06:57 PM

Well I expect Beasley to score and rebound more than Rose but Rose will be the better defender and leader!

Beasley = 20 ppg 8 rpg 1 bpg guy

Rose = 15 ppg 4 rpg 7 apg 2 spg guy + all the other essentials!

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 20 2008, 07:01 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 20 2008, 06:06 PM) *
Well I expect Beasley to score and rebound more than Rose but Rose will be the better defender and leader!

Beasley = 20 ppg 8 rpg 1 bpg guy

Rose = 15 ppg 4 rpg 4 apg 2 spg guy + all the other essentials!

4 apg?

Posted by: dasox24 May 20 2008, 07:02 PM

I love this! Getting the #1 has just made everyone so happy! Let's enjoy it while we can b/c by tomorrow we'll all be arguing about who to draft and how much Tyrus Thomas sucks, etc.... haha

I just can't decide who I want to draft. Both players are so good, but I think with the way Deron William and Chris Paul have rejuvenated their teams, I'm leaning towards the impact PG in Rose.

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 07:04 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 20 2008, 08:04 PM) *
You can't put Rose and Gordon in the same backcourt and expect to survive in the East. There's just not enough defense to go around. The reason we've survived with Gordon so far is that you could put Hinrich on guys like Wade and Kobe.

good scouting

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 07:05 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 20 2008, 08:05 PM) *
I'll take "Starting Line-ups without Tyrus Thomas", Alex.

Exactly.

Draft Beasley. Trade Tyrus and other change.

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 07:05 PM

QUOTE (dasox24 @ May 20 2008, 08:11 PM) *
I just can't decide who I want to draft. Both players are so good, but I think with the way Deron William and Chris Paul have rejuvenated their teams, I'm leaning towards the impact PG in Rose.

And we know what happenes when you have a great guard... even if he becomes a SF later on in life.

Posted by: dasox24 May 20 2008, 07:07 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 20 2008, 08:10 PM) *
4 apg?

Yeah, I'd have to expect more than that... Even in his first year, you'd think he'd average at least 7 per game. I mean, Kirk averaged 7 apg in 35 mpg his rookie year and Rose is a much better passer with a much better team than Kirk had.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 07:12 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 20 2008, 08:10 PM) *
4 apg?


7 it is then!!!!

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 07:14 PM

When you've got spot shooters like Deng, Gordon, Hughes, and Nocioni on the court with Rose, you know he'll have those assist numbers up there.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 07:17 PM

What comparison better fits Rose in your opinions?

Parker

Wade

Paul

Deron Willaims

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 07:23 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 20 2008, 08:26 PM) *
What comparison better fits Rose in your opinions?

Parker

Wade

Paul

Deron Willaims

Somewhere between Parker and Wade I'd say. He has the speed, quickness, and the dribbling skills to take it to the hoop like Parker but he also has great scoring ability when he gets inside like DWade. He isn't quite the passer or shooter Paul is, and Deron Williams is the best PG in the league to me.

Posted by: ChWRoCk2 May 20 2008, 07:23 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 20 2008, 08:26 PM) *
What comparison better fits Rose in your opinions?

Parker

Wade

Paul

Deron Willaims

I would say Dwyane Wade even though Wade doesn't hit the three ball.

Posted by: daa84 May 20 2008, 07:58 PM

QUOTE (ChWRoCk2 @ May 20 2008, 08:32 PM) *
I would say Dwyane Wade even though Wade doesn't hit the three ball.

neither does rose...he has only a decent jumper and is a bad FT shooter...rose is so good because he is freakishly athletic...he wont be the scorer that williams or paul will i dont think, but will have the ability to get the basket like parker and dish the ball...i think hell be a stronger, little bit slower, more athletic parker

both guys are gonna be great great players...i think beasley has just a ridiculously high upside...i think hes gonna be a 25 and 10 guy within a year...hes a longer version of elton brand with an outside game IMO

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 07:59 PM

Give me Beasley.

Posted by: eddog2 May 20 2008, 08:27 PM

QUOTE (steve9347 @ May 20 2008, 09:08 PM) *
Give me Beasley.

You're smoking crack. Beasley reminds you too much of your favorite player Melo and that's the only reason you want him. He has a lot in common with Melo. He's young, a freakish scorer, not a leader, and he's a head case just like your boy in the mountains.

Posted by: steve9347 May 20 2008, 08:37 PM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 20 2008, 09:36 PM) *
You're smoking crack. Beasley reminds you too much of your favorite player Melo and that's the only reason you want him. He has a lot in common with Melo. He's young, a freakish scorer, not a leader, and he's a head case just like your boy in the mountains.

Beasley rebounds better and has a better outside shot. As much as you looooooved Durant, I can't believe you don't want Beasley. He's Durant but bigger...

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 20 2008, 08:43 PM

QUOTE (steve9347 @ May 20 2008, 09:46 PM) *
Beasley rebounds better and has a better outside shot. As much as you looooooved Durant, I can't believe you don't want Beasley. He's Durant but bigger...

I have a hard time believing Beasley has a better outside shot than Carmelo.

Posted by: AtHomeBoy_2000 May 20 2008, 08:49 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 20 2008, 08:26 PM) *
What comparison better fits Rose in your opinions?

I just read Jason Kidd with a jumpshot.

Posted by: eddog2 May 20 2008, 08:51 PM

QUOTE (steve9347 @ May 20 2008, 09:46 PM) *
Beasley rebounds better and has a better outside shot. As much as you looooooved Durant, I can't believe you don't want Beasley. He's Durant but bigger...


He's Durant in a weaker conference. Don't let the numbers fool you. Plus, if he had a defined position which he doesn't and if he wasn't a head case like Durant isn't then I would have been in love with him like I was Durant. But we don't need a tweener SF/PF we already have one of those. He's going to be a good player but he could easily screw his career up by making the wrong decision and we both know that Paxson has a no tolerance policy for that. No matter how good he is he'd be on the first bus out of Chicago after a few slip ups. Anyway, if he was a SG I'd take him for sure. But he's not. And we're not even sure he'll be a stud SF b/c he might not be quick enough to get by SF's in the NBA. I think he can but that would mean we would need to trade Deng. I'd rather draft Rose, keep Deng who is a quality player that plays defense and will continue to improve, and trade the other pieces to fill the holes. Taking Beasley would give us a star player but will it make us a champion? Did Melo make his team a champ? No! But an unselfish PG like Paul can make your team a champion. I think Rose will be better offensively than Kidd and could be as good or better than Paul.

Rose is super quick, has the height and strength to be a stud, and he's more athletic than any PG in the NBA. Whoever, said that Deron Williams is the best PG in the league is smoking something. He's very good but he's no Paul.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 08:53 PM

Beasley reminds me most of Carmello because he can score inside and outside and has the bulk to do it. He is an amazing athlete but I don't think Beasley can hit threes like Mello but I bet he rebounds better and will be the better inside player. Fellas were in a win/win situation now. I myself would probably rather have Rose but if we got Michael Beasley I definitely wouldn't be balling my eyes out.

Posted by: eddog2 May 20 2008, 09:05 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 20 2008, 10:02 PM) *
Beasley reminds me most of Carmello because he can score inside and outside and has the bulk to do it. He is an amazing athlete but I don't think Beasley can hit threes like Mello but I bet he rebounds better and will be the better inside player. Fellas were in a win/win situation now. I myself would probably rather have Rose but if we got Michael Beasley I definitely wouldn't be balling my eyes out.



I think Beasley is a better outside shooter but I think Melo at this point in his career is a better 15-18 ft jump shooter. He has that shot on automatic (kind of like Deng did a year ago).

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 20 2008, 09:15 PM

I'm just kinda thinking out loud right now but what about drafting Rose and making a trade to get Carmello? There's been word that he could be on his way out.

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 20 2008, 09:17 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 20 2008, 08:24 PM) *
I'm just kinda thinking out loud right now but what about drafting Rose and making a trade to get Carmello? There's been word that he could be on his way out.

Right now, the Bulls have to be thinking along those lines. Not necessarily Melo by name, but something like him...a-la "We have a guy with a big expiring contract in the Melo/Wade/Lebron year, along with a bunch of young guys, and we have more guys than we have minutes for".

Right now, they seriously need to do a 2 or 3 guys for 1 swap somewhere just to clear minutes.

Posted by: dasox24 May 20 2008, 10:17 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 20 2008, 10:26 PM) *
Right now, the Bulls have to be thinking along those lines. Not necessarily Melo by name, but something like him...a-la "We have a guy with a big expiring contract in the Melo/Wade/Lebron year, along with a bunch of young guys, and we have more guys than we have minutes for".

Right now, they seriously need to do a 2 or 3 guys for 1 swap somewhere just to clear minutes.

That's definitely the ideal situation right now. If we could grab Rose or Beasley and then trade for a big-time veteran, that would be about as perfect as it could get for us this offseason.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 20 2008, 10:19 PM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 20 2008, 10:00 PM) *
He's Durant in a weaker conference. Don't let the numbers fool you. Plus, if he had a defined position which he doesn't and if he wasn't a head case like Durant isn't then I would have been in love with him like I was Durant. But we don't need a tweener SF/PF we already have one of those. He's going to be a good player but he could easily screw his career up by making the wrong decision and we both know that Paxson has a no tolerance policy for that. No matter how good he is he'd be on the first bus out of Chicago after a few slip ups. Anyway, if he was a SG I'd take him for sure. But he's not. And we're not even sure he'll be a stud SF b/c he might not be quick enough to get by SF's in the NBA. I think he can but that would mean we would need to trade Deng. I'd rather draft Rose, keep Deng who is a quality player that plays defense and will continue to improve, and trade the other pieces to fill the holes. Taking Beasley would give us a star player but will it make us a champion? Did Melo make his team a champ? No! But an unselfish PG like Paul can make your team a champion. I think Rose will be better offensively than Kidd and could be as good or better than Paul.

Rose is super quick, has the height and strength to be a stud, and he's more athletic than any PG in the NBA. Whoever, said that Deron Williams is the best PG in the league is smoking something. He's very good but he's no Paul.


Huh? Durant and Beasley played in the exact same conference with similar strength. The Big 12 was extremely top-heavy last season, you had Kansas, A&M and Durant's Texas team and that was basically it, K-State and Texas Tech were pretty mediocre. Kansas and Texas basically destroyed the league this year with Oklahoma, Baylor and A&M hanging around and Beasley basically carrying K-State to respectability. It's not like we're talking the Big East compared to Conference USA. Plus Beasley isn't really any different than Durant, the latter is so scrawny that Seattle decided to play him at SG to avoid any banging, and he had an up and down year largely because of it. Beasley actually has enough bulk to play not only SF but also PF, and enough skill to cause problems no matter who guards him. He's stronger than guys like Bosh and Aldridge that have done quite well. Durant is a better jumpshooter, but Beasley isn't exactly a bad one and will have a much easier time finishing inside. The character stuff is overblown too, he was basically just a screw-off in high school that pulled a bunch of pranks. It's not like he was punching out teammates or blowing off the coaches. OJ Mayo has a lot more to worry about in that department and wasn't as dominant as Beasley, and he's become the consensus #3 prospect in a lot of places.

Just to play devil's advocate like you chose to do with Beasley, let's point out the issues with Rose. The big one is that he didn't regularly dominate like he should have in college. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on the season, good but not great production. He turned it on a bit more towards the end of the year, before that people weren't seriously considering him at #1 overall. He's not exactly a great shooter, and though he has the driving ability and passing skills he didn't exactly set up his teammates as much as you'd think, despite a loaded roster. PG is also the hardest position to absorb at the NBA level, and it will be a bit harder to just rely on his physical gifts like he did all throughout college (though he will obviously be able to do it a lot of nights). A lot of people are already putting him in the Paul/Williams class, but what if he turns out like Tony Parker, like his current skills seem to profile? That guy doesn't win you a championship either, at least not all by himself. Plus there's this to consider: despite playing with Amare Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer and David West, the Nash/Williams/Paul trio have zero titles and haven't been able to get by Tim Duncan and the Spurs. In fact, they have one conference finals appearance between them so far. Jason Kidd doesn't have one either, and only one Finals appearance even playing in the East for a long time. Unless they can somehow turn Kirk Hinrich into a legit big man, they're still going to have problems winning in the playoffs with a front line of Noah, Thomas and Gooden.

Not that I really buy a lot of that, just trying to prove a point. Rose will be a stud, but so will Beasley. They both have amazing physical tools that will likely allow them to be true superstars in this league. It comes down to which guy ends up being a better fit for the roster. As things currently stand Beasley is a better fit, he gives us a guy that can do some damage inside and give us a truly elite offensive option. If they find a deal they like for Kirk though taking Rose can easily make sense as well. Personally, I like the scenario that doesn't have us counting on Tyrus and Noah (and Gooden, who may/may not be retained) for another year and possibly the forseeable future.

Posted by: truthandbasketball May 21 2008, 01:08 AM

Here's an article from Slam magazine where the writer breaks down this years top draft prospects. Having first pick is a beautiful thing fellas!!! bullssmilie1.jpg cheers.gif cheers.gif cheers.gif
See if you agree with these picks and who is your number 1?

Feeling a Draft

Never too early for the top five positional rankings

By Jeff Fox

This year’s NBA Draft is following the Groundhog Day script again for NBA lottery teams. Or, as Yogi Berra aptly put it, “déjà vu all over again”. Last year the NBA’s bottom feeders were praying to their four leaf clovers that their team would get one of the top two picks in the NBA draft and, subsequently, secure the services of Messrs. Oden or Durant. This year is the same story, only the names have changed. Kansas State’s Michael Beasley and Memphis’ Derrick Rose appear to be the gems of the draft in ‘08.

Not surprisingly, Rose and Beasley lead their respective positions in SLAM’s draft prospect positional rankings. Does your team need a big man or a high scoring wing and wonder who they should take? Wonder no longer.

Point Guards

1) Derrick Rose, Memphis, FR

Point guards with Rose’s size, strength, speed and skills don’t come around too often. No doubt within a couple of years Rose will be one of the preeminent point guards in the League. Chris and Deron, set another spot at the table, Derrick is coming to dinner.

2) Jerryd Bayless, Arizona, FR

Calling Bayless quick is an understatement – the man has wheels. While he filled up the nets with ease in college, he will have to become more of a pure point guard to excel in the pros.

3) Russell Westbrook, UCLA, SO

An amazing athlete and YouTube staple, Westbrook is also a very capable point guard. Sharing a roster with another future NBA point guard, Darren Collison, Westbrook still lead the Bruins in assists.

4) D.J. Augustin, Texas, SO

Coming out from under Durant’s skinny shadow this season, Augustin blossomed. A true point guard who can also fill it up on his own, his only real concern is his lack of stature (listed at 6’0”, he’s probably shorter than that).

5) Ty Lawson, North Carolina, SO

Lawson struggles with the same height issues as the man listed above, Augustin. Ty offsets this a bit with his quickness (perhaps the fastest in the NCAA) and his solid frame.

Shooting Guards

1) O.J. Mayo, USC, FR

In the public eye since the Reagan Administration, or so it seems, Mayo finally seemed to wear out his welcome. That is to the benefit of teams drafting outside of the top two slots, as whoever gets Mayo will be getting an explosive player capable of playing either backcourt spots.

2) Eric Gordon, Indiana, FR

It takes a special player to put up big scoring numbers in the big, bad Big Ten. Gordon is that type of special player, leading the conference in scoring with over 20 a game. His height may limit him in the pros though.

3) Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis, JR

About as unorthodox as they come, Douglas-Roberts still gets the job done. While he needs to get stronger, and show that he can guard strong, athletic NBA two-guards, CD-R’s freaky game and wingspan should serve him will in the pros.

4) Brandon Rush, Kansas, JR

It seems like Rush has been a possible draft early-entry candidate for the past decade, but now that he’s got his championship he’s finally officially in the draft. While he probably won’t be a superstar, his all-around strong game and long arms will make him a solid pro.

5) Chase Budinger, SO, Arizona

One of the best athlete’s in the draft (he may be an even better volleyball player than hoops), Budinger has some serious ups and a good long-range shot. While he does have star potential, worse case scenario he at least should be the next “Great White Hope” in the NBA dunk contest.

Small Forwards

1) Danilo Gallinari, Italy, 1988

The son of a pro player, Gallinari is a big, athletic wing player. Despite his young age, he is very experienced and was his Euroleague team’s best player.

2) Nicolas Batum, France, 1988

Another youngster who competed in the Euroleague was the versatile Batum. He has a terrific all-around game, but doesn’t always bring it every night, similar to fellow Frenchman Boris Diaw.

3) Joe Alexander, West Virginia, JR

Another white man who can jump, Alexander is a classic late bloomer. He has NBA athleticism and size, but still is a work in progress.

4) Anthony Randolph, LSU, FR

After a breakout freshman season, the long, but very lean, Randolph feels he is ready to play-for-pay. Capable of playing either forward positions, whoever drafts the athletic youngster will have to be patient while his game and body matures.

5) Donte’ Greene, Syracuse, FR

Near seven-footers who can hit the three are always in high demand, so Greene shouldn’t have any problem earning a living on the hardwood. However, he probably would be best off heading back to upstate New York for another year to improve his draft stock.

Power Forwards

1) Michael Beasley, Kansas State, FR

The second coming of Durant, Beasley terrorized the NCAA this season. If a team is looking for an inside/outside scoring machine and glass crasher, just Leave it to Beasley.

2) Darrell Arthur, Kansas, SO

A perfect NBA power forward prospect – size, athleticism and skill. While he may not be ready to dominate the NBA right out of the gate, he could be a sleeper pick in this year’s lottery.

3) Kevin Love, UCLA, FR

Trying to project Love’s impact in the NBA is difficult because there really aren’t any players out there similar to him. His lack of NBA athleticism and height (probably only 6’9”) probably makes him a better college player than pro.

4) J.J. Hickson, North Carolina State, FR

A big, strong, athletic player, Hickson probably should return to Raleigh in the fall considering he may not get his name called in this year’s first round.

5) Serge Ibaka, Spain, 1989

Coming straight outta Congo, now playing professionally in Spain, Ibaka possesses NBA athleticism and length. However, due to his inexperience, at this point he is still more potential than substance.

Center

1) Brook Lopez, Stanford, SO

Otherwise known as the short-haired Lopez twin, he is also the more talented of the two, with strong skills at both ends of the court. The Michael Jackson fanatic should have a long, lucrative NBA career.

2) JaVale McGee, Nevada, SO

It’s fitting that McGee played his college ball in Nevada because he is the ultimate gamble pick. Very inexperienced, with a physique that makes Tayshaun Prince look like Mr. Olympia, he is also very athletic and very, very long.

3) Kosta Koufos, Ohio State, FR

The man given the unenviable task of filling Oden’s size 18 shoes at Ohio State, Koufos did a remarkably good job. Despite growing up in Ohio, he plays like a classic European big man – good outside shot, can put the ball on the floor – and fittingly plays in Greece’s National Team system.

4) DeAndre Jordan, Texas Tech A&M, FR

A player with tons of “upside”, Jordan will need a few more years to truly be ready for the NBA. The fact that his productivity declined as his freshman season progressed isn’t a good sign.

5) Alexis Ajinca, France, 1988

All you need to know about Ajinca are his measurements – 7’1” with at 7’9” wingspan. With a lot more experience, and a ton of protein shakes, this shot-blocking menace could be a keeper.

Jeff Fox writes more extensively about the NBA draft and college basketball at www.collegehoopsnet.com. All hate mail can be directed to him at foxyjj@sympatico.ca.

http://slamonline.com/online/2008/05/feeling-a-draft/

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 21 2008, 02:45 PM

I'm just so excited to even be in this position! Who would of thought that today we'd be sitting here talking about who the Bulls are going to draft #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!??

Posted by: rangercal May 21 2008, 05:00 PM

QUOTE
Point Guards

1) Derrick Rose, Memphis, FR

Point guards with Rose’s size, strength, speed and skills don’t come around too often. No doubt within a couple of years Rose will be one of the preeminent point guards in the League. Chris and Deron, set another spot at the table, Derrick is coming to dinner.



snr.gif

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise May 21 2008, 05:32 PM

This is totally irrelevant to the draft but.. I made Derrick Rose last night on NBA 2k8 and played a game with him on the Bulls and he ended up with 35 points 6 rebounds and 18 assists in a DOUBLE OVERTIME game (5 min quarters). I tried to make him as real as I could. I think he ended up being rated 81. That was fun! =)

Posted by: eddog2 May 21 2008, 05:34 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ May 21 2008, 06:41 PM) *
This is totally irrelevant to the draft but.. I made Derrick Rose last night on NBA 2k8 and played a game with him on the Bulls and he ended up with 35 points 6 rebounds and 18 assists in a DOUBLE OVERTIME game (5 min quarters). I tried to make him as real as I could. I think he ended up being rated 81. That was fun! =)



Nice.

Posted by: rangercal May 23 2008, 10:21 AM

want proof the pick is not for sale?




Posted by: eddog2 May 26 2008, 10:32 AM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 18 2008, 11:58 PM) *
Does anyone have an opinion on Jason Thompson out of Rider? He looks like has very good size and skill for the PF/C position at the next level. From watching a video he even looks athletic enough to play SF. I think he'll probably have to add some weight be be a true beast down low but he did average over 20 ppg and 10+ rpg his last 2 seasons against weaker opposition. He appears to be a late bloomer and with his athleticism he still has room to develop more at the next level. I've seen a few mock draft boards that have him going 22nd to Orlando and I saw one where he went to the Bucks at 7 which was a shock. He's one of those guys whose stock could go through the roof with pre-draft workouts.



I'm quoting myself again b/c I don't think anyone commented on my Jason Thompson post and b/c I found an article that talks about drafting Rose or Beasley that highlights how Thompson outplayed Beasley when they played last year. Thompson had 24 points to Beasley's 13 and the 2 guarded each other. If Thompson slips to our second round I hope we take him. The article says that we need Lopez and that Rose is overrated b/c he doesn't play well against NBA competition. It also says that Beasley is the next Derrick Coleman. I'm not sure I agree but I do thin Lopez will be a decent scorer in the NBA. I'm just don't think he is going to be a star big man and that's why I don't want to take him. With that said, the lack of real centers in the NBA means that his impact could be greater than most players in the draft.

http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/25328-Brook-Lopez-Chicago-Bulls-Must-Draft-Center

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 26 2008, 03:07 PM

I've never been a fan of the whole "well so and so did this against so and so, so he's really good/overrated." Everyone has a bad game here and there, and no one game can definitively prove anything for a player. You can just as easily point to monstrous games Beasley had against Kansas and Oklahoma (against Blake Griffin, who'd easily go #3 this year from all reports) or games against UConn, Texas and UCLA for Rose.

I'm torn on Lopez. He definitely has scoring ability inside, but how will he do against NBA caliber big men? He already shot 46.8% from the field this year, which isn't exactly stellar for a college big man (though I will admit he was the team's ONLY legit scoring threat). Plus though he's nowhere near as bad as Hawes is, but he's not a stellar athlete. I don't think he'll suck, but I kinda doubt he's going to be a very good big man as well.

As for Thompson, I can't really comment on him as I've never seen him play (which is saying something tongue.gif ). I'm usually skeptical of big men from smaller schools though since a large number of BCS conference schools will take any big man with a pulse, and they don't generally have a good track record (Kaman and Big Ben are the only ones that come to mind in recent history, I can't count West or Camby because they still get decent competition in the A-10 and both had a few tourney trips). Second round okay, but I'm pretty sure we don't have one.

Posted by: eddog2 May 26 2008, 03:27 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ May 26 2008, 04:16 PM) *
I've never been a fan of the whole "well so and so did this against so and so, so he's really good/overrated." Everyone has a bad game here and there, and no one game can definitively prove anything for a player. You can just as easily point to monstrous games Beasley had against Kansas and Oklahoma (against Blake Griffin, who'd easily go #3 this year from all reports) or games against UConn, Texas and UCLA for Rose.

Second round okay, but I'm pretty sure we don't have one.


Don't we have the 39th pick? I don't think Thompson will be there but maybe we can trade up.`

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 26 2008, 04:55 PM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 26 2008, 04:36 PM) *
Don't we have the 39th pick? I don't think Thompson will be there but maybe we can trade up.`


I don't know, I thought someone else mentioned it in another thread that we don't have a second, maybe it got dealt in the Cleveland trade or one of the draft moves in past years? I'm not entirely sure. If we do have it then sure, why not.

Edit- on second thought it looks like we have it, must have mis-read a previous post

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 27 2008, 01:30 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080527&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1 has Mock Draft v 2.0 up, and now has the Bulls taking Rose.

QUOTE
The skinny: Our first mock draft put Michael Beasley atop the list. But the more I hear GM John Paxson speak about the pick, the more it sounds like Rose will be the choice.

I believe Paxson when he says the team hasn't decided. But if he is going to prioritize character, leadership and chemistry in his criteria, Rose will win the battle.

Beasley is a slightly better fit since the Bulls need a low-post scorer and rebounder, but they can't go wrong with Rose. He's ranked as the No. 1 player on our big board.


Interestingly, when you look down at #9, which is where the Bulls would have picked had it not been for the grace of Zoroaster, that's where he has Lopez falling to.

Posted by: soxfan3530 May 27 2008, 01:53 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 27 2008, 02:39 PM) *
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080527&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1 has Mock Draft v 2.0 up, and now has the Bulls taking Rose.



Interestingly, when you look down at #9, which is where the Bulls would have picked had it not been for the grace of Zoroaster, that's where he has Lopez falling to.

Very nice. Rose!

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 27 2008, 01:59 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 27 2008, 02:39 PM) *
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080527&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1 has Mock Draft v 2.0 up, and now has the Bulls taking Rose.



Interestingly, when you look down at #9, which is where the Bulls would have picked had it not been for the grace of Zoroaster, that's where he has Lopez falling to.


I found that interesting since size normally wins out in drafts, but if Minnesota opts for Mayo (which is totally possible, maybe even likely) he could be in for a fall like that. Seattle seems like a lock to take Mayo/Bayless, Memphis may take him but would probably opt for a more athletic running big man like Randolph or Jordan (especially since they don't seem to be in a hurry to win), and the Knicks, Clippers and Bucks don't look likely to go big given their current rosters.

Posted by: eddog2 May 27 2008, 07:37 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ May 27 2008, 03:08 PM) *
I found that interesting since size normally wins out in drafts, but if Minnesota opts for Mayo (which is totally possible, maybe even likely) he could be in for a fall like that. Seattle seems like a lock to take Mayo/Bayless, Memphis may take him but would probably opt for a more athletic running big man like Randolph or Jordan (especially since they don't seem to be in a hurry to win), and the Knicks, Clippers and Bucks don't look likely to go big given their current rosters.


I'm not to sure about that. I think Memphis would love another big like Lopez. But you never know. They do seem to think that Marc Gasol is going to come in and be a good player for them so they might not want another center. They might want that athletic big that you are talking about. But the Stromile Swift disaster might make them reconsider that.

I'm not saying I want this to happen in the least but would Paxson trade Noah to the Knicks or Bobcats for Lopez if he slips? With Noah's recent off the court issues I could see him trying to make a statement. Noah was a very good high energy player but Paxson might have a man crush on Lopez's scoring abilities. I don't want it to happen but I could see him making a deal like that.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 27 2008, 08:22 PM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 27 2008, 08:46 PM) *
I'm not to sure about that. I think Memphis would love another big like Lopez. But you never know. They do seem to think that Marc Gasol is going to come in and be a good player for them so they might not want another center. They might want that athletic big that you are talking about. But the Stromile Swift disaster might make them reconsider that.

I'm not saying I want this to happen in the least but would Paxson trade Noah to the Knicks or Bobcats for Lopez if he slips? With Noah's recent off the court issues I could see him trying to make a statement. Noah was a very good high energy player but Paxson might have a man crush on Lopez's scoring abilities. I don't want it to happen but I could see him making a deal like that.


Possibly, but if they unloaded Gasol that easily I have a hard time seeing them being enthralled with Lopez. Yes, I realize there were money issues and Gasol was disgruntled, but offensive fit was also supposedly a big reason. Gasol is pretty mobile for his size and has a high skill level, so I'd think Lopez wouldn't work out for them either considering he doesn't appear to be as good. Plus besides the other Gasol they have money tied up in Darko even if he does suck. In terms of the roster it makes sense, but for their system someone like Randolph seems like a good fit.

As for the second part, I'd think they'd have to be pretty pissed at Noah. Yeah, I could see them liking Lopez, but they picked Noah for a reason and he seems to be their type of player (at least on the floor). They'd have to be pretty anxious to unload a potential headache, which I suppose is possible.

Posted by: dasox24 May 27 2008, 09:24 PM

I don't think they'll be getting rid of Noah for his recent actions. I think if he had coupled his marijuana charge with like drunk driving or something, then maybe you could see them do that, but I still think he would just be suspended not traded.

As for Memphis, Marc Gasol is a terrible player. He'll never amount to anything for them, so they better not be banking on him contributing. If Lopez were to fall, everyone in Memphis right now thinks they would take him. And if Mayo falls, then they think they'll take him to pair with Rudy Gay. They'd have a pretty solid 1-2-3 of Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, and Rudy Gay. And if they take Mayo, look for Mike Miller to be on the trading block for a big man...

Would you trade Tyrus Thomas for Miller, which would then allow us to package Gordon in a trade for a big man?

How would a lineup like this look?
PG - Rose
SG - Miller
SF - Deng
PF - Big man we trade for
C - Noah

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 27 2008, 09:29 PM

QUOTE (dasox24 @ May 27 2008, 10:33 PM) *
As for Memphis, Marc Gasol is a terrible player. He'll never amount to anything for them, so they better not be banking on him contributing. If Lopez were to fall, everyone in Memphis right now thinks they would take him. And if Mayo falls, then they think they'll take him to pair with Rudy Gay. They'd have a pretty solid 1-2-3 of Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, and Rudy Gay.


I don't disagree with that, everything I've read says that Marc Gasol is overweight and unathletic, that's not what they've been saying though. I don't know, Lopez definitely makes sense so I wouldn't be surprised, that just doesn't seem to be their recent MO.

Posted by: Balta1701-B May 27 2008, 09:31 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ May 27 2008, 08:38 PM) *
I don't disagree with that, everything I've read says that Marc Gasol is overweight and unathletic, that's not what they've been saying though. I don't know, Lopez definitely makes sense so I wouldn't be surprised, that just doesn't seem to be their recent MO.

To be fair, Memphis's recent MO has had little to do with winning NBA games.

Posted by: DutheDoduhon21 May 27 2008, 09:40 PM

what players do yoy think will be left when our 2nd pick comes around? i havnt really seen anything on the second round yet, oviously its hard to predict.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 27 2008, 09:50 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ May 27 2008, 10:40 PM) *
To be fair, Memphis's recent MO has had little to do with winning NBA games.


No debate there, that's part of the reason I'm thinking they'll take Randolph. I'm wondering if their theory on team building is to tank every year until they finally get an actual franchise player? huh.gif

Posted by: dasox24 May 27 2008, 10:19 PM

QUOTE (DutheDoduhon21 @ May 27 2008, 10:49 PM) *
what players do yoy think will be left when our 2nd pick comes around? i havnt really seen anything on the second round yet, oviously its hard to predict.

Yeah, it is hard to predict with a month of workouts still to go till the draft. But, as of now, my best guesses for guys who could still be around would be Joey Dorsey, DJ White, Richard Roby (who was predicted to be a mid-1st rounder before the season started), James Gist, Shan Foster, and Lester Hudson (interesting story, took the long-road to D-1 basketball after a few years of not being in school; is 24 years old).

Posted by: dasox24 May 27 2008, 10:37 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ May 27 2008, 10:59 PM) *
No debate there, that's part of the reason I'm thinking they'll take Randolph. I'm wondering if their theory on team building is to tank every year until they finally get an actual franchise player? huh.gif

Yes, the Gasol trade was ludicrous in that the Grizzlies didn't get much of value in return, but they've taken Rudy Gay and Mike Conley in the last 2 drafts, both of which seem to have "franchise player" potential. Heck, Gay may already have that status if he played in a big city like Chicago or New York, or a better team. Their drafting isn't the problem, which is why I think they'll make the smart decision again this year and take Lopez or Mayo. Of course, if neither is available, then you'll probably see them take Randolph or Love.

Posted by: rangercal May 29 2008, 12:35 PM

Top rated prospects by nbadraft.net (2006-2009)

1. Greg Oden (2007) 106
2 Kevin Durant (2007) , Derrick Rose (2008) 104
4 Michael Beasley (2008) 103
5 Blake Griffin (2009) 100

Posted by: eddog2 May 29 2008, 10:52 PM

QUOTE (rangercal @ May 29 2008, 01:44 PM) *
Top rated prospects by nbadraft.net (2006-2009)

1. Greg Oden (2007) 106
2 Kevin Durant (2007) , Derrick Rose (2008) 104
4 Michael Beasley (2008) 103
5 Blake Griffin (2009) 100



Blake Griffin is another player I'm not that sold on. Everyone has hyped him up but I think he has a lot to improve upon before he should ever be on the top 5 rated prospects list. I guess he's on there b/c of his athleticism and b/c all the studs besides him came out this year.

I'm going to say that we need to watch out for Brandon Jennings, Demar DeRozan, and Devin Ebanks next year. I think all 3 freshman are going to have big years.

Posted by: SoxFan1 May 29 2008, 10:58 PM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ May 30 2008, 12:01 AM) *
Blake Griffin is another player I'm not that sold on. Everyone has hyped him up but I think he has a lot to improve upon before he should ever be on the top 5 rated prospects list. I guess he's on there b/c of his athleticism and b/c all the studs besides him came out this year.

I'm going to say that we need to watch out for Brandon Jennings, Demar DeRozan, and Devin Ebanks next year. I think all 3 freshman are going to have big years.

BJ Mullens.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik May 30 2008, 09:57 AM

Griffin definitely needs to polish up his post game, but he's still more impressive than most big men. He's athletic, he's strong, he has pretty good length and he was very productive even for a team short on other legit options. He was also playing at less than 100% at the end of the year due to a knee injury and I think something else as well. I'm not saying I think he's going to be a superstar, but unless his injuries keep up and/or he comes in a bit shorter than he's listed he'll be a pretty productive player. Pretty much everything I've read said he would have been the consensus #3 pick had he come out this year, so at least in the eyes of scouts it's not all draft class related (though they've obviously missed on guys before).

I do think that several players have higher ceilings though, like the previously mentioned Mullens, DeRozan and Jennings, possibly a few more guys as well, though this isn't widely considered a strong freshmen class. I've only seen those guys play once or twice though (in All-star settings at that) so I don't have a strong opinion on them yet, I'll wait until I see them in college against better competition.

Posted by: steve9347 Jun 3 2008, 04:13 PM



Let's chew on that comparison.

On paper Rose measures up better than Paul in almost every aspect... ridiculous.

Posted by: eddog2 Jun 3 2008, 05:53 PM

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/measurements.php?year=2008&sort2=ASC&draft=0&sort=12

Not sure if anyone posted the pre-draft workout link but it was pretty interesting to see. I sent Stevo the comparison of Rose's #'s to Paul. They were pretty similar. Rose had an amazingly low body fat % and was freakin quick in the 3/4 court sprint. He also had some great hops.

As for other shockers, Beasley was 6'7" with shoes off but he did have great reach and he showed some good power on the bench press. For some reason his vertical #'s look low. Maybe he wasn't trying that hard.

The players #'s that impress me the most are Eric Gordon. I wouldn't have known that he was such a stud athlete before looking at those #'s. He was stronger and faster than virtually all the guards.

Brooke Lopez like I expected was weak. 7 bench presses an unimpressive vertical and the slowest 3/4 court time of the players on the list. On the flip side, Joe Alexander has a super rediculous workout. Good leaping ability (38.5 running), great strength 24 bench presses, and super fast speed (faster than the PG's). Unless something is wrong with the stats, this guy is a super freak athlete.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise Jun 3 2008, 07:34 PM

OJ Mayo also must have had a stunning workout. 42 inch vertical? Unreal, I would have thought Rose's would have been a bit higher but its obviously pretty hard to judge.

Posted by: eddog2 Jun 3 2008, 07:56 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ Jun 3 2008, 08:43 PM) *
OJ Mayo also must have had a stunning workout. 42 inch vertical? Unreal, I would have thought Rose's would have been a bit higher but its obviously pretty hard to judge.


I did forget to discuss that. That's unlike me b/c I've been hyping up Mayo for a couple of weeks now. I still want to get him on the Bulls to have a Mayo/Rose backcourt for the future.

As for Rose he had pretty much the 4th best no step vertical leap of any player and the best of any player that is actually worth drafting.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 3 2008, 08:43 PM

That vertical is interesting for Mayo, he's never quite looked THAT good in game in terms of leaping. I figured Gordon would test out that well, but he's also shorter than advertised. Love tested out pretty well too as a leaper, though that fat number is actually higher than Spencer Hawes. He'll still probably move up a bit because of it. Beasley does look somewhat average-ish, not totally surprising given he's more of a power player than a speed player. His vertical leap numbers are about where LaMarcus Aldridge was coming out, and the lane agility was actually very good for a non-guard, though the footspeed isn't stellar.

I wouldn't base any franchise-altering decisions off these things though, a lot of guys can look good in a non-game situation with no one guarding them. The top overall athlete in the class (they usually have composite rankings) rarely makes any kind of impact, and Kevin Durant looked AWFUL in this same event last year. As long as a guy doesn't come in amazingly short or tests like an absolute stiff I wouldn't worry much.

Posted by: dasox24 Jun 3 2008, 09:22 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ Jun 3 2008, 09:52 PM) *
I wouldn't base any franchise-altering decisions off these things though, a lot of guys can look good in a non-game situation with no one guarding them. The top overall athlete in the class (they usually have composite rankings) rarely makes any kind of impact, and Kevin Durant looked AWFUL in this same event last year. As long as a guy doesn't come in amazingly short or tests like an absolute stiff I wouldn't worry much.

I think that's the important thing to remember when regarding these pre-draft measurables. They are nice as a point of reference, but that's about it. B/c as Zoom said, unless the guy has some really glaring problems in his workouts, then it doesn't matter too much.

Posted by: eddog2 Jun 3 2008, 10:43 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ Jun 3 2008, 09:52 PM) *
That vertical is interesting for Mayo, he's never quite looked THAT good in game in terms of leaping. I figured Gordon would test out that well, but he's also shorter than advertised. Love tested out pretty well too as a leaper, though that fat number is actually higher than Spencer Hawes. He'll still probably move up a bit because of it. Beasley does look somewhat average-ish, not totally surprising given he's more of a power player than a speed player. His vertical leap numbers are about where LaMarcus Aldridge was coming out, and the lane agility was actually very good for a non-guard, though the footspeed isn't stellar.

I wouldn't base any franchise-altering decisions off these things though, a lot of guys can look good in a non-game situation with no one guarding them. The top overall athlete in the class (they usually have composite rankings) rarely makes any kind of impact, and Kevin Durant looked AWFUL in this same event last year. As long as a guy doesn't come in amazingly short or tests like an absolute stiff I wouldn't worry much.


Just from watching Beasley high school highlight clips you would think he would have a better vertical than that. I personally think he was being lazy and not giving it his all. He doesn't care. He's a lock for 1 or 2 and he might very well rather be the 2 than the 1 so that he can be in Miami. I don't like guys that don't take things serious and from everything I've read about Beasley he's that type of guy.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 4 2008, 09:50 AM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ Jun 3 2008, 11:52 PM) *
Just from watching Beasley high school highlight clips you would think he would have a better vertical than that. I personally think he was being lazy and not giving it his all. He doesn't care. He's a lock for 1 or 2 and he might very well rather be the 2 than the 1 so that he can be in Miami. I don't like guys that don't take things serious and from everything I've read about Beasley he's that type of guy.


I find it funny that when Beasley comes in and gives an okay but not mind-blowing workout he's a slacker that doesn't care but when Durant turned in an AWFUL one last year that was quite a bit worse than Beasley's it doesn't matter and he's going to be a superstar (not saying he isn't a very talented player by the way). That doesn't seem to mesh outside of your pre-conceived notions. So he's a bit goofy off the court, he's still been an absolute monster on it, and that's all that really matters in the long run unless he has run-ins off the court with the police/teammates, something that hasn't been an issue with him. I don't really see how you can be upset with either of these guys, they're both immensely talented, I'd be pretty exstatic with either of them and they'll both be very good assets.

After looking at past combine results, it's not like 35 inches is THAT bad a total anyways. Some of the max vertical totals from the studs from recent years:

Carmelo Anthony- 33.5
Chris Bosh- 33
Dwayne Wade- 35
Dwight Howard- 35.5
Andre Iguodala- 34.5
LaMarcus Aldridge- 34
Kevin Durant- 33.5
Al Horford- 35.5

Obviously I'm leaving out some of the super-freaks (Bynum, Smith, Gay, Roy (didn't remember that he cracked 40)), but it's not like he was totally awful and it isn't the be all and end all.

Posted by: DutheDoduhon21 Jun 16 2008, 04:31 PM

QUOTE
North Carolina sophomores Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington and junior Danny Green withdrew from the NBA draft Monday.

Head coach Roy Williams confirmed that the trio would return to school. The deadline to withdraw was 5 p.m. ET.

Ellington and Green were unable to secure a first-round draft pick guarantee. Their return, coupled with player of the year Tyler Hansbrough's return, makes UNC the prohibitive favorite to win the 2009 national title.

Ellington, Green and Lawson all participated in the Orlando pre-draft camp last month.


Also withdrawing from the draft to return for a senior season was Texas' A.J. Abrams, the guard announced.

Abrams, the all-time leader in 3-pointers made for the Longhorns with 284, helped lead Texas to the Elite Eight, a Big 12 regular-season title and a 31-7 record last season.

"When I sat down with my family and looked at my options, I knew I wanted to come back, finish what I have started," Abrams said in a statement.

Memphis junior Robert Dozier also withdrew from the draft and will return for his final season of eligibility.

"I appreciate the opportunity to go through the process," Dozier said in a statement. "I loved the workouts, and I truly appreciate the honesty of all parties involved, especially the NBA personnel.

"I'm coming back with the mind-set that next year's team can be even better than what we were a year ago, knowing a lot of that will fall on my shoulders," he said.

Memphis made it to the national championship game last season but lost to Kansas 75-68 in overtime.

"I want Robert to come back with two things in mind -- to help the team win a national championship and become the player of the year in college basketball," Memphis head coach John Calipari said in a statement.

Others withdrawing were UAB junior guard Robert Vaden, Gonzaga junior guard Jeremy Pargo and Alabama redshirt senior guard Ronald Steele.

mario chalmers and bill walker are staying in the draft.

Posted by: Cowch Jun 19 2008, 11:42 AM

Anyone else think the Knicks will try to trade up to the 3? I know a lot of their fans want Mayo.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 19 2008, 12:08 PM

QUOTE (Cowch @ Jun 19 2008, 12:51 PM) *
Anyone else think the Knicks will try to trade up to the 3? I know a lot of their fans want Mayo.


They don't have a whole lot of tradeable assets, pretty much everyone on their roster makes too much money (even David Lee is talking about a max extension banghead.gif ) and has various issues in their game. Unless they're really in love with Robinson or Lee (which I kinda doubt) or can get a few future picks and still get a guy they like that's not likely.

Posted by: Cowch Jun 19 2008, 04:58 PM

What about Minnesota trading down in general. They're really not in need of another guard. I'm sure they could get something good for probably OJ Mayo.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 19 2008, 06:47 PM

QUOTE (Cowch @ Jun 19 2008, 06:07 PM) *
What about Minnesota trading down in general. They're really not in need of another guard. I'm sure they could get something good for probably OJ Mayo.


I wouldn't say they don't need another guard, there's a reason they were so bad this year. About the only spot they're really set it is PF or C with Al Jefferson, outside of that they need upgrades.

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 23 2008, 11:17 AM

QUOTE (eddog2 @ Jun 3 2008, 07:05 PM) *
I did forget to discuss that. That's unlike me b/c I've been hyping up Mayo for a couple of weeks now. I still want to get him on the Bulls to have a Mayo/Rose backcourt for the future.

As for Rose he had pretty much the 4th best no step vertical leap of any player and the best of any player that is actually worth drafting.

There is definately a chance that Mayo turns into the best player out of this draft. People really underestimated this guy as he didn't live up to all the hype in his freshman year of college, but he actually showed to me in one season that he was far more mature than I ever anticapated. This guy is going to be a tremendous pro. He's definately a bit of a tweener but lucky for him he possesses great all around ability.

All that said, I'm still a bit hard pressed to pass on Beasley. The guy is just a scoring machine.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 23 2008, 11:53 AM

Mayo still needs serious work on his decision making, his turnover rate and shot selection were god-awful most of the year and I have a hard time seeing that get significantly better in the near future. He's talented and he'll put up numbers, but I don't see him being a player that'll positively impact your team in the win column, something like Gilbert Arenas with less shooting ability, which is scary because he shoots A LOT of jumpers. Beasley will at least hit at a higher percentage because he'll play inside and rebound even if his defensive effort is lacking.

Posted by: Balta1701-B Jun 23 2008, 02:24 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080623&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

QUOTE
We continue to hear that the Heat will probably trade the No. 2 pick if Rose is off the board. The latest talk has the Sonics and Heat discussing a swap that would send the No. 2 pick and Mark Blount to Seattle for Chris Wilcox and the No. 4 pick. The move would give the Heat a huge amount of cap space in the summer of 2009. (Wilcox is in the last year of his contract, while Blount has two years and $16 millon remaining.)

At No. 4, if Mayo were off the board, the Heat would have their choice of Jerryd Bayless, Russell Westbrook or Brook Lopez. All three would fit a need for them.


QUOTE
As of Sunday, the word out of Minnesota was that the team will draft O.J. Mayo if Beasley is off the board. Though Mayo doesn't fit a need, he would be considered the best player available, and that appears to be swaying Minnesota in his direction.

At the same time, a lot of trade talk surrounds this pick. The Knicks, Clippers, Bucks and Trail Blazers all have tried to maneuver to get this pick. The Bucks may have the best chance of succeeding if they offer Yi Jianlian or Charlie Villanueva as part of a package.

If the Wolves trade down, their target seems to be Brook Lopez or Kevin Love.
A Beasley, Durant, Green front court in OKC? Yowza.

Posted by: Balta1701-B Jun 25 2008, 11:01 AM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/nba/specials/draft/2008/06/25/hornets.blazers.trade.ap/index.html

Posted by: DutheDoduhon21 Jun 25 2008, 11:42 AM

QUOTE
New Orleans has sold pick 27 to the Blazers for cash considerations.

i think the blazers will trade both of their first rounders for a veteran, they dont need any more young players.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise Jun 25 2008, 01:30 PM

I got word from another poster on another board that he has sources that tell him the Heat are trying to trade Shawn Marion to the Toronto Raptors for TJ Ford and contract fillers.. FWIW

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 25 2008, 01:52 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ Jun 25 2008, 02:39 PM) *
I got word from another poster on another board that he has sources that tell him the Heat are trying to trade Shawn Marion to the Toronto Raptors for TJ Ford and contract fillers.. FWIW


There are a bunch of rumors involving the Heat. One of them was dealing #2 to Seattle along with Blount's awful contract for #4 and Wilcox (which Balta mentioned), one was Marion and #2 to the Clippers for Brand and #7, another involves them getting either Miller, Lowry and #5 from Mephis or Conley and #5 for #2 and Blounts contract, and there's a rumor that they might simply take Mayo at #2 if they can't pull anything off (partially because they think they have a shot at Boozer after next year). They really don't seem to want Beasley, which is pretty strange considering he's nearly unanimously considered the most talented player in the draft, and it's not like their other option that they're leaning towards (Mayo) has never had any character concerns either.

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 25 2008, 02:49 PM

I'm a bit perplexed at what the Heat are talking about, but a lot of those deals involve them getting proven NBA stars and they would be getting value for Beasley while still keeping a very high draft pick so If I were a heat fan I wouldn't be opposed to a lot of what is being rumored out there.

However, taking Mayo over Beasley would be strange (I realize Mayo may turn out to be better, but you can't take him ahead of Beasley).

Posted by: Balta1701-B Jun 25 2008, 03:28 PM

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jun 25 2008, 01:58 PM) *
I'm a bit perplexed at what the Heat are talking about, but a lot of those deals involve them getting proven NBA stars and they would be getting value for Beasley while still keeping a very high draft pick so If I were a heat fan I wouldn't be opposed to a lot of what is being rumored out there.

However, taking Mayo over Beasley would be strange (I realize Mayo may turn out to be better, but you can't take him ahead of Beasley).

Well, I think the Heat's plan sort of makes sense here. They're holding right now what I see as 3 pieces of a decent starting lineup...Haslem, Marion, and Wade. One of them clearly is a superstar. But they need 2 more pieces, another guard alongside Wade and another big man. The only way they can fill both of those needs is to try to use their pick and trade down to fill both. Especially if they're just not sold on Beasley for whatever reason.

Posted by: SoxFan1 Jun 25 2008, 03:46 PM

TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and the 17th pick for Jermaine O'Neal is a done deal. O'Neal and Bosh could be scary good when healthy.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqLcVkDkeO_AJQLf5Kocit85nYcB?slug=aw-jermaineonealtraded062508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 25 2008, 03:54 PM

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jun 25 2008, 04:55 PM) *
TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and the 17th pick for Jermaine O'Neal is a done deal. O'Neal and Bosh could be scary good when healthy.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqLcVkDkeO_AJQLf5Kocit85nYcB?slug=aw-jermaineonealtraded062508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns


Guess that means Indiana goes big at 11.

That might work out pretty well if by some miracle O'Neal is healthy. He always shot too many jumpers for my liking, but he's been a hell of a defensive player when he's actually on the floor.

Posted by: SoxFan1 Jun 25 2008, 03:57 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ Jun 25 2008, 05:03 PM) *
Guess that means Indiana goes big at 11.

That might work out pretty well if by some miracle O'Neal is healthy. He always shot too many jumpers for my liking, but he's been a hell of a defensive player when he's actually on the floor.

That means Sactown might get Augustin, which I'd love.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise Jun 25 2008, 04:12 PM

I see Mario Chalmers jumping up draft boards. I think he'd be a good fit for the Kings.

As for the Oneal trade. It could work out pretty well if he stays healthy and thats a huge IF.. JON and Bosh's game are pretty much the same so we'll see how that works..

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 25 2008, 06:00 PM

Charlotte Bobcats have acquired the 20th overall pick from the Nuggets in exchange for a future first round, protected pick (ie, Lotto protected). Not a bad move for the Bobcats who clearly could use as much talent as they can get.

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 25 2008, 06:03 PM

Vinny Del Negro was on ESPN 1000 and his comments regarding the draft were much kinder to Rose than Beasley. With Rose it was all about how impressive his character was and all the intangibles where as with Beasley he raved more about the stats that he knew he had put up at Kstate as opposed to what impressed the Bulls upon his visit.

Writing is definately on the wall and Rose is going to be the #1 pick by the Bulls. The one interesting quote to come from Del Negro was related to the young players, where Del Negro said the team would do its best to play to the young players strength's and hide their weaknesses.

This is a big plus to me because too quickly when a young player made a mistake they were pulled and this comment makes me believe the Bulls will be patient to an extent and try to protect its young players and give them the minutes (while doing everything possible to put them in spots to succeed). I really think Del Negro is going to be a great fit as he'll be able to grow into the head coaching position while this team grows from an opening round playoff birth to a title contneder in the next 2-4 years (I'm expecting playoffs this season).

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 25 2008, 06:15 PM

Trailblazers now talking trade with the Nets. Want to move there 1st, 2nd and Jarret Jack to the Nets for the 10th and Trenton Hassel. It appears that the Blazers are keying in on DJ Augustin, who would immediately become the best PG on the Blazers roster by far (and fill there one big weakness).

There has also been talk about the Blazers having interest in Kirk. Hinrich would be a great fit, but I'm just not so sure the Bulls would do the 13 for Hinrich (plus contracts to even things out).

Posted by: Balta1701-B Jun 25 2008, 06:19 PM

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jun 25 2008, 05:24 PM) *
Trailblazers now talking trade with the Nets. Want to move there 1st, 2nd and Jarret Jack to the Nets for the 10th and Trenton Hassel. It appears that the Blazers are keying in on DJ Augustin, who would immediately become the best PG on the Blazers roster by far (and fill there one big weakness).

There has also been talk about the Blazers having interest in Kirk. Hinrich would be a great fit, but I'm just not so sure the Bulls would do the 13 for Hinrich (plus contracts to even things out).

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-32-355/Too-Many-Players-in-Portland.html, the Blazers are in a wierd spot where they're sitting on something like 14-15 players under their control, maybe 16 now that they grabbed the pick from the Hornets. So they almost have to make a move otherwise they just don't have the roster spots.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise Jun 25 2008, 06:21 PM

Del Negro also said that whoever he drafts (this was two days ago) he will build a system around that player. That leads me to believe he's talking about Rose. Who builds a system around a 6'8 power forward? Rose makes the most sense and I'm 95% sure he's going to be the pick; the other 5% is based on whether or not the Bulls make any huge trades to get them a great guard which would allow them to draft Beasley..

Posted by: Balta1701-B Jun 25 2008, 06:31 PM

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jun 25 2008, 05:12 PM) *
Vinny Del Negro was on ESPN 1000 and his comments regarding the draft were much kinder to Rose than Beasley. With Rose it was all about how impressive his character was and all the intangibles where as with Beasley he raved more about the stats that he knew he had put up at Kstate as opposed to what impressed the Bulls upon his visit.

Writing is definately on the wall and Rose is going to be the #1 pick by the Bulls. The one interesting quote to come from Del Negro was related to the young players, where Del Negro said the team would do its best to play to the young players strength's and hide their weaknesses.

This is a big plus to me because too quickly when a young player made a mistake they were pulled and this comment makes me believe the Bulls will be patient to an extent and try to protect its young players and give them the minutes (while doing everything possible to put them in spots to succeed). I really think Del Negro is going to be a great fit as he'll be able to grow into the head coaching position while this team grows from an opening round playoff birth to a title contneder in the next 2-4 years (I'm expecting playoffs this season).

Yeah, you could always see on a guy like Tyrus or Noah this year that if they made a mistake they were looking over their shoulders to see who was coming in for them. Hell, it wasn't just a problem for us, Rondo got to that point with Cassel early in the playoffs too, it's a crappy way to develop a young guy, and we've done it with all the guys we've drafted since 04 it seems.

Playing to the young guys strengths continues to be what I want to hear from him, because that suggests to me that we'll first, actually, um, play the young guys as opposed to benching them, and second that we'll try to push the tempo a little bit.

Posted by: SoxFan1 Jun 25 2008, 06:47 PM

QUOTE (Balta1701-B @ Jun 25 2008, 07:40 PM) *
Yeah, you could always see on a guy like Tyrus or Noah this year that if they made a mistake they were looking over their shoulders to see who was coming in for them. Hell, it wasn't just a problem for us, Rondo got to that point with Cassel early in the playoffs too, it's a crappy way to develop a young guy, and we've done it with all the guys we've drafted since 04 it seems.

Playing to the young guys strengths continues to be what I want to hear from him, because that suggests to me that we'll first, actually, um, play the young guys as opposed to benching them, and second that we'll try to push the tempo a little bit.

I disagree with you that both Tyrus and Noah were looking over their shoulders all year. Noah got a ton of starts at the end ofthe year, and for the most part, his production was far more consistent. I was just telling Zoom, Noah has shown me more in 1 season than Tyrus has in 2 seasons. The thing I love about Noah, even if he wasn't getting minutes or if he got in foul trouble or whatever, he didn't pout about it. His head was always in the game, he was always cheering on the team, etc. I can't say the same for Tyrus and his pouting self.

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 26 2008, 01:03 PM

The Clippers have acquired the 4th pick in the draft from the Sonics. Bayless is going to go off the board there, imo. Sonics get the 7th pick and a future 1st. This move probably means the Clippers are done talking with the Heat regarding a deal which would have involved the picks getting moved as the Clippers are now at a spot where they can fill a key need ("PG").

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 26 2008, 01:04 PM

The Flipside to this is, if the Heat want to ensure they get a guard when they move down, well now the Clips can ensure the Heat of that so you never know, this could be a deal which leads to a bigger deal involving the Heat. I still think its more likely that there is no deal imminent between Miami and LA.

Posted by: Bullhead Jun 26 2008, 03:31 PM

ESPN is reporting that the Sonics will trade the No. 4 pick in the draft to the Clippers in exchange for L.A.'s No. 7 pick and a protected 2009 first-round pick if things go as expected in the Top 3 picks of the draft.

Ric Bucher is reporting that the Clippers want to assure themselves of getting Eric Gordon with the fourth pick. However, this deal will not go through if the Timberwolves pass on O.J. Mayo and he's available at No. 4

ESPN is reporting and Bucks officials have confirmed that the Nets have traded forward Richard Jefferson to the Bucks in exchange for swingman Bobby Simmons and forward Yi Jianlian, pending physicals.

Wow. Yi gets his big market, while the Bucks get a solid player that can help them right now. The move should also free up plenty of cap room for the Nets to be a major free agent player in 2010, when LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will be taking bids. And if Simmons can actually get healthy, he will come as a bonus. This trade is awaiting league approval, and also allows the Bucks to keep the No. 8 pick to use on Joe Alexander.

Posted by: SoxFan1 Jun 26 2008, 03:54 PM

QUOTE (Bullhead @ Jun 26 2008, 04:40 PM) *
ESPN is reporting that the Sonics will trade the No. 4 pick in the draft to the Clippers in exchange for L.A.'s No. 7 pick and a protected 2009 first-round pick if things go as expected in the Top 3 picks of the draft.

Ric Bucher is reporting that the Clippers want to assure themselves of getting Eric Gordon with the fourth pick. However, this deal will not go through if the Timberwolves pass on O.J. Mayo and he's available at No. 4

ESPN is reporting and Bucks officials have confirmed that the Nets have traded forward Richard Jefferson to the Bucks in exchange for swingman Bobby Simmons and forward Yi Jianlian, pending physicals.

Wow. Yi gets his big market, while the Bucks get a solid player that can help them right now. The move should also free up plenty of cap room for the Nets to be a major free agent player in 2010, when LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will be taking bids. And if Simmons can actually get healthy, he will come as a bonus. This trade is awaiting league approval, and also allows the Bucks to keep the No. 8 pick to use on Joe Alexander.

I don't see them taking Alexander anymore with the addition of Jefferson.

Posted by: Wanne Jun 26 2008, 03:55 PM

QUOTE (Bullhead @ Jun 26 2008, 04:40 PM) *
ESPN is reporting that the Sonics will trade the No. 4 pick in the draft to the Clippers in exchange for L.A.'s No. 7 pick and a protected 2009 first-round pick if things go as expected in the Top 3 picks of the draft.


I think this almost squashes the rumor about Miami sending the #2 and Marion to the Clips for #7 and Brand...which is great!

Posted by: SoxFan1 Jun 26 2008, 04:07 PM

ESPN's Andy Katz reporting that the Clippers/Sonics deal is OFF.

Also, som revision to the IND/TOR deal:

TOR sends: TJ Ford, Maceo Boston, Rasho Nesterovic, 17th pick

IND sends: Jermaine O'Neal, 41st pick

Posted by: HardWorkin'Hinrich Jun 26 2008, 04:47 PM

Shucks, I can't make it to a TV tonight.

Do any of you guys know if it will be streamed on ESPN360.com or NBA.com?

If anyone knew, that'd be great!

Posted by: SoxFan1 Jun 26 2008, 05:51 PM

Beasley picked by the Heat. I have a feeling that wont last...

Posted by: SoxFan1 Jun 26 2008, 05:55 PM

Mayo is it for Minnesota.

Posted by: SoxFan1 Jun 26 2008, 06:02 PM

HAHA! Westbrook goes 4th to the Sonics. What a reach.

Posted by: Brian Jun 26 2008, 06:11 PM

Love looks cut. You can tell he has been working his arse off.

Seems ESPN is trying to jam too much in the 5 minutes between picks.

Posted by: Chicago Bulls Franchise Jun 26 2008, 10:45 PM

Wow OJ Mayo getting traded to the Grizz for Kevin Love, Mike Miller and others..

Posted by: Cowch Jun 26 2008, 10:49 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ Jun 26 2008, 09:54 PM) *
Wow OJ Mayo getting traded to the Grizz for Kevin Love, Mike Miller and others..

I was surprised to see this. I do think it makes more sense in the draft pick area, but why give up Miller too?

Posted by: DutheDoduhon21 Jun 26 2008, 10:54 PM

here it is

QUOTE
Two league sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves have reached an agreement in principle with the Memphis Grizzlies that will send the draft rights of Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner to the Grizzlies in return for the draft rights to Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins.

The deal is a blockbuster for both teams. ESPN.com reported on Tuesday that the Wolves GM Kevin McHale was infatuated with Love, but felt that the team had to select Mayo and use him to acquire more assets.

wow. thats a huge deal, i thought mayo was a good fit with the t-wolves but i guess not, but this trade makes alot of sense also.

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 26 2008, 11:00 PM

QUOTE (DutheDoduhon21 @ Jun 26 2008, 10:03 PM) *
here it is

wow. thats a huge deal, i thought mayo was a good fit with the t-wolves but i guess not, but this trade makes alot of sense also.

The Wolves wanted to get a big whom could play alongside Jefferson and Love can do that. I figured they would have prefered Lopez but being able to get both Love and Mike Miller for what I consider junk and Mayo (who is very good) is a real nice looking deal. As far as Memphis is concerned, they could have a nice back-court a couple years from now in Mayo/Conley.

Posted by: SoxFan1 Jun 26 2008, 11:01 PM

Love and Jefferson will look good next to each other.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 26 2008, 11:01 PM

I'm not a Mayo fan, but at least in Memphis he's playing off the ball so it'll be harder for him to try to totally take over the game and take way too many bad shots. Of course on the flip side he's been most effective with the ball in his hands and might feel the need to take advantage of it when he does get the ball. On the other side I guess Minnesota can live with a Foye/McCants backcourt with Brewer and Miller at SF (probably eating some SG minutes too). That's okay I guess, though they can definitely use another big man. Love is big enough that he might be able to let Jefferson cover PF's more too, that could help. Or it could be ugly if Love's athleticism holds him back. Hard to say, should be interesting.

Posted by: dasox24 Jun 26 2008, 11:17 PM

QUOTE (Chicago Bulls Franchise @ Jun 26 2008, 11:54 PM) *
Wow OJ Mayo getting traded to the Grizz for Kevin Love, Mike Miller and others..

Damn it, Chris Wallace! You finally do something good in drafting Love and Greene (though it should have been CDR), and then you screw it up by trying to do too much and essentially give up Miller and Love for Mayo. You better hope Mayo turns into an All-Star or else you're gonna have a lot of explaining to do. They have absolutely zero post-presence now. Gonna be another long year for the Grizz...

I mean, not that they would have made the playoffs next year or anything, but a Conley-Miller-Gay-Love-Milicic lineup is much more balanced and at least capable of being decent. Conley-Mayo-Gay is a very talented 1-2-3, but who the hell is gonna play down low? The only viable option for PF is Antoine Walker. Walker and Milicic in the paint? That's terrible. I guess they're planning on sucking and hoping for a Blake Griffin, Patrick Patterson, or BJ Mullens next year.

Anybody know of any good post guys in free agency this summer? Maybe they're hoping to give a Restricted guy a big contract and hope their team doesn't match...

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 26 2008, 11:19 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ Jun 26 2008, 10:10 PM) *
I'm not a Mayo fan, but at least in Memphis he's playing off the ball so it'll be harder for him to try to totally take over the game and take way too many bad shots. Of course on the flip side he's been most effective with the ball in his hands and might feel the need to take advantage of it when he does get the ball. On the other side I guess Minnesota can live with a Foye/McCants backcourt with Brewer and Miller at SF (probably eating some SG minutes too). That's okay I guess, though they can definitely use another big man. Love is big enough that he might be able to let Jefferson cover PF's more too, that could help. Or it could be ugly if Love's athleticism holds him back. Hard to say, should be interesting.

I really think this is one guy your going to be wronga bout Zoom. You are about as knowledgeable a guy as I've seen when it comes to analyzing the draft but in this case, I really disgress with your take on Mayo. Aside from Mayo the other guy I absolutely love in this draft (aside from the obvious top 2 picks) is Brandon Rush. I really think Rush, if he stays healthy, turns into an all around rock solid basketball player. Maybe not a dominant player but the guy has such a good skill-set and he's polished. He played with so much talent at Kansas that it actually hurt his draft stock because on a bad team he could have just been dominant, imo.

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 26 2008, 11:22 PM

QUOTE (ZoomSlowik @ Jun 26 2008, 10:10 PM) *
I'm not a Mayo fan, but at least in Memphis he's playing off the ball so it'll be harder for him to try to totally take over the game and take way too many bad shots. Of course on the flip side he's been most effective with the ball in his hands and might feel the need to take advantage of it when he does get the ball. On the other side I guess Minnesota can live with a Foye/McCants backcourt with Brewer and Miller at SF (probably eating some SG minutes too). That's okay I guess, though they can definitely use another big man. Love is big enough that he might be able to let Jefferson cover PF's more too, that could help. Or it could be ugly if Love's athleticism holds him back. Hard to say, should be interesting.

Love reminds me a big of Elton Brand. I don't necessarily think he'll be that good, but they have very similar body type's, imo. Love is pretty polished and to me the big question is whether he can take the physicality of the NBA. I Think he has enough athletism and he's clearly a great passer. I think the Wolves will be happy if he falls somewhere in the Elton Brand/Brad Miller range (obviously that is a varying degree with Brand being better, but Love could be both (Miller was a softer center who could pass and put up a few points with good touch while Brand turned into a more physical big and Love has hte ability to do that I think).

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 26 2008, 11:32 PM

Still haven't seen anything official on what the Bulls gave up, but they did in fact make a deal with the Blazers to get the Turkish center in exchange for the forward out of Arkansas.

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 26 2008, 11:40 PM

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jun 27 2008, 12:28 AM) *
I really think this is one guy your going to be wronga bout Zoom. You are about as knowledgeable a guy as I've seen when it comes to analyzing the draft but in this case, I really disgress with your take on Mayo.


I've never argued that Mayo doesn't have talent. He's far more polished than most college players, and he went where he should have in the draft. However, barring a MASSIVE change in his playing style he's not going to get the most out of it. His shot selection is horrendous, he hasn't met a challenged shot he doesn't like, even if it's 5 feet past the 3 point line. Even when he is facing someone he can take to the hole he ends up settling for the jumpshot most of the time. He only shot 4.6 FT's a game, that's not a good sign for someone that was A LOT better than most of the guys he played. His shooting percentage would be a lot worse if not for an absurdly hot 5-game stretch where he hit something like 62% from behind the arc. Pushing that 3 point line back 3-feet isn't going to help either. Plus when he did drive he turned it over at a very high rate, 3.5 a game in college is pretty bad. He just forced things way too much, and that's not a new thing at USC.

Now if he scales back on that type of play considerably and starts taking smarter shots, not forcing things, passing the ball more when he doesn't have anything, and consistently bringing the defensive effort he can be a very good player, something like a Brandon Roy (though I don't see him being THAT efficient with the ball). Even then it'd help a lot if he drove more, which will be harder on the next level. Otherwise he's going to be a pure gunner that hurts about as much as he helps, something like a stronger Jamal Crawford with occasional flashes of good defense (and it would seem more turnovers).

Posted by: ZoomSlowik Jun 26 2008, 11:59 PM

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jun 27 2008, 12:31 AM) *
Love reminds me a big of Elton Brand. I don't necessarily think he'll be that good, but they have very similar body type's, imo. Love is pretty polished and to me the big question is whether he can take the physicality of the NBA. I Think he has enough athletism and he's clearly a great passer. I think the Wolves will be happy if he falls somewhere in the Elton Brand/Brad Miller range (obviously that is a varying degree with Brand being better, but Love could be both (Miller was a softer center who could pass and put up a few points with good touch while Brand turned into a more physical big and Love has hte ability to do that I think).


Love has a ton of skill, I just don't know if he's athletic enough to be an impact player. He already struggled in college against longer, more athletic players at times. One thing he has going for him is that he appears to be in MUCH better shape than he was at UCLA, it's hard to judge how much of a difference that'll make. Either way he'll clearly be at least decent though, he's too strong and skilled not to be. I'll be interested to see how he plays early on now that he's not carrying that extra weight that seemed to hold him back against Memphis.

Posted by: Chisoxfn Jun 27 2008, 12:00 AM

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/draft/prospects/943

http://www.thedraftreview.com/index.php ... ew&id=3751

Both of those links indicate that it was a 2 year deal that the Turkish center will be signing, as opposed to a five year deal (I've also seen reports of a 4 year deal that pays approx 10M in US$).

Ford indicated that the Bulls selection was the steal of the 2nd round and the Bulls gave up Weems, and two other 2nd round picks (the one they obtained from the Knicks for 2009 and our 2nd rounder in 2010. Also, below are some youtube links. Thats it for me, fun draft everyone and I am excited for summer league play to begin. Going to let my thoughts simmer and than I'll write up a draft analysis tomorrow smile.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oe5rLXzJdM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giGOCxw1k4I

Posted by: eddog2 Jun 27 2008, 09:40 AM

I'm not sure if anyone said this already but a mutual friend of Steve and myself said the reason they traded Love was b/c they didn't want to have Gay Love action next season. I thought that was hilarious.

Posted by: eddog2 Jun 27 2008, 09:42 AM

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jun 27 2008, 01:09 AM) *
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/draft/prospects/943

http://www.thedraftreview.com/index.php ... ew&id=3751

Both of those links indicate that it was a 2 year deal that the Turkish center will be signing, as opposed to a five year deal (I've also seen reports of a 4 year deal that pays approx 10M in US$).

Ford indicated that the Bulls selection was the steal of the 2nd round and the Bulls gave up Weems, and two other 2nd round picks (the one they obtained from the Knicks for 2009 and our 2nd rounder in 2010. Also, below are some youtube links. Thats it for me, fun draft everyone and I am excited for summer league play to begin. Going to let my thoughts simmer and than I'll write up a draft analysis tomorrow smile.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oe5rLXzJdM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giGOCxw1k4I


Steal of the draft my ass. He looks like a poor man's Biedrins.

Posted by: DutheDoduhon21 Jun 27 2008, 11:41 AM

QUOTE
the reason they traded Love was b/c they didn't want to have Gay Love action next season. I thought that was hilarious.

lolhitting.gif

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